Indy 500 Gets off to Timely Start, But Weather Looms Large

The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 started on time Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but weather still loomed as one of the biggest storylines of the day.

Race officials avoided an early delay and brought the 33-car field to green shortly before 12:45 p.m. ET, with pole sitter Álex Palou leading the field into Turn 1.

Still, storms projected to arrive around 3 p.m. created concern for teams and fans hoping to see all 200 laps completed without interruption. Forecasts throughout race week warned of possible showers and thunderstorms around the speedway later in the afternoon.

Even with potential delays looming, the race appeared likely to reach at least halfway, which would make it official if weather forced a stoppage.

That would not satisfy most motorsports fans.

On “Motorsports Christmas,” a day that also features the Coca-Cola 600 and Formula One’s Monaco Grand Prix, fans want the full 500 miles at Indianapolis. The Indy 500 remains one of the sport’s crown jewels, and nobody wants rain to shorten one of racing’s biggest days.