Indy 500, Race Day

The pylon is a tall structure
at the intersection of Gasoline Alley
and the Race Track.
It displays information about the
race status, car positions, etc.

Race Day is a BIG Deal in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Also for race fans around the world.  In fact, it is known as the single largest gathering of sports fans in the world with almost 400,000 people in physical attendance for the event.  On this day, every year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway becomes third largest city in Indiana, only smaller than Indianapolis and Gary, Indiana.  For many years now it has been the last Sunday in May, the day before Memorial Day.

This Race Day was especially important to Murph as his son, Allen IV and Murph's friend, Jada, flew to share this experience with Murph.

This is Allen IV during his and dad's visit to the IMS Museum.

Bill, Allen IV and Jada had seats in
the North Vista, just as the short chute
enters the fourth turn of the track. 

Panoramic view from the North Vista seats as fans are beginning to show up.
Tunnel 10 under the track and Hulman Road are visible just to the left.

There are many preliminary events,
including the parachute team from the US Army,
the Golden Knights.  In the center of this pic
there are two parachutists, one with smoke trailing him.

The final jumper brings a huge American flag.

Several helicopters land and take off during the race,
mostly with VIPs, but occasionally taking injured
folks to the hospital.  There is an onsite hospital,
as well as numerous first aid stations,
but major cases are flown out.

A parade is part of the introductory events.
The Purdue University Marching Band
is a major highlight brandishing
"the world's largest drum."

There are several HUGE screens
scattered around the Speedway.
This is the one near the North Vista. 

Even though early in the Indy Car season,
driver Alex Palou has a significant lead over his competitors. 
Alex won the Indy Grand Prix two weeks before.

IMS Employees use this guide
for the day's events.

This is the other side of 
"What's Happening."

One of the popular events during the race is a
music concert in the "Snake Pit!"
The Snake Pit is the concert venue,
the stage is visible from the North Vista.
See the flames above the stage!??!!

The starting field for the 2025 Indy 500.

Driver Scott Dixon pit stop during the race.  

Murph's work post
is at Gasoline Alley
Pit Lane Chute.

The last lap of the 2025 Indy 500, winner: Alex Palou.