Early weather forecasts for the Indy 500 indicate a warm day ahead, with historical data suggesting minimal rain on May 24. Fans are advised to prepare accordingly as race day approaches.
Key points
Early weather forecasts for the Indy 500 are available
Predicted warm day for race day
Historical data shows minimal rain on May 24
Average temperature in the upper 60s for the past 20 years
Mentioned in this story
National Weather ServiceIndiana
Indy 500
Early weather forecasts for the Indy 500 are here. Will you need a jacket?
May is halfway through and Indy 500 fans are eagerly anticipating race day. Indiana spring is known for temperamental weather, but for now the forecast looks good.
To get ready for the Big Race, IndyStar is keeping race fans updated with the latest weather forecasts.
The National Weather Service has yet to set May 24 weather forecasts, but that will change as race day draws near. One forecasting service is predicting a warm day, and IndyStar's historic weather analysis (provided below) shows that it's rained only once on May 24 since 2006 and the average temperature for the past 20 years has been in the upper 60s.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) gets a ride through pit lane Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Q&A
What is the weather forecast for the Indy 500 on May 24?
The weather forecast for the Indy 500 on May 24 is predicted to be warm, though specific details are still pending.
How often does it rain on May 24 during the Indy 500?
It has rained only once on May 24 since 2006, indicating a low likelihood of rain on race day.
What has been the average temperature for the Indy 500 over the past 20 years?
The average temperature for the Indy 500 over the past 20 years has been in the upper 60s.
When will the National Weather Service release the official forecast for the Indy 500?
The National Weather Service is expected to release the official forecast for the Indy 500 as race day approaches.
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Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) looks down pit lane Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) prepares to get into his ride Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Members of the Indy Ignite volleyball team talk with a crew member for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Helio Castroneves (06) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver David Malukas (12) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) talks with crew members Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) prepares to sit into his ride Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Crew members for Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) work on their car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) puts on his helmet Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) puts in ear protection Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Richard Shinall, a tire specialist with the car of Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood (27), wipes the rims of tires Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) talks Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The scoring pylon Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) makes his way to his pit box Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) puts in ear protection Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) sits in his pit box Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) gets a ride through pit lane Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) looks down pit lane Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
4 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) prepares to get into his ride Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
6 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Members of the Indy Ignite volleyball team talk with a crew member for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Helio Castroneves (06) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
7 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver David Malukas (12) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
8 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) talks with crew members Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
9 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) prepares to sit into his ride Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
10 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Crew members for Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) work on their car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
11 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) puts on his helmet Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
12 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) puts in ear protection Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
13 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
14 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Richard Shinall, a tire specialist with the car of Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood (27), wipes the rims of tires Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
15 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) talks Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
16 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
The scoring pylon Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
17 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
18 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) makes his way to his pit box Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
19 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) puts in ear protection Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
20 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) sits down into his car Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
21 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the second day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) sits in his pit box Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
What will weather be like for the Indy 500?
More than a week away from May 24, weather predictions at AccuWeather show a humid day nearing 77 degrees. The service also predicts a 30% chance of rain right now, but as Hoosiers know, May weather can be fickle and these things could change in either direction.
The service also shows the UV index could be "very high" at 8.0 despite a predicted 76% cloud cover. Winds are likely to be moving northeast at 8 MPH with gusts peaking around 23 MPH. Forecasters at AccuWeather are also calling for a 5% chance of thunderstorms on May 24.
What is the weather forecast for Memorial Day if there's a delay?
The last complete race postponement happened nearly two decades ago in 1997. The rains continued for two days, and drivers finally completed the race on Tuesday.This year, AccuWeather is predicting a high of 77 degrees for Memorial Day, May 25, with sightly higher chances of rain than on Race Day at 35% and a more worrisome 12% chance of thunderstorms.
What will weather be like for Legends Day?
This year's Indy 500 Legends Day takes place Saturday, May 23, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
AccuWeather forecasts show a cool 70-degree day with a potential for rain hovering around 30%. The service is predicting mostly cloudy skies with a couple of showers possible.
What will weather be like for Carb Day?
This year's Indy 500 Carb Day is on Friday, May 22. The day-long party includes the Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 and the Pit Stop Competition.
AccuWeather forecasters predict an even 72 degrees for Carb Day with only a 25% chance of precipitation. Skies will have a thick cloud cover making for a cooler day.
A rear-engine Tucker Torpedo Special prototype built by the famed Harry Miller qualified for the 1946 Indianapolis 500 with George Barringer at the wheel. This concept eventually became the Tucker 48. Gear trouble forced Barringer out of the race. The production version, not shown here, 1946â1948 Tucker Torpedo sedan designed by Preston Tucker, changed automobile history forever with its rear engine, safety chamber, roll bar, padded dashboard, and collapsible steering column, cyclops headlight which turned with the car and pop-out shatter proof windshield.
Clessie Cummins, Co-Founder of Cummins Inc. and the honorary chairman of the board sits in the cockpit of the 1931 No. 8 Cummins Diesel car, the first Cummins to enter the Indy 500. The first car in history to complete all 500 miles without pit stops, the Cummins-Powered Duesenberg finished 13th with an average speed of just over 86 mph. After the win, Cummins founders W.G. Irwin and Clessie Cummins drove the car on a European tour to promote the engines.
In 1909, just after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was paved with 3.2 million bricks, J. Walter Christie drove his front-wheel-drive Christie V-4 racer in speed trials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, setting a record running a half-mile in 17.53 seconds. Christie achieved high speeds on the straits, but was slowed by the turns. The car featured no mechanicâs seat and was described as a torpedo on wheels. In 1916 it became the first car to officially lap the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at over 100 mph, when it was driven by Barney Oldfield.
Fire protection suit engineer, Ed Gough, who designed the suit, walks through 45 feet of flame in 3,5000 degrees heat to demonstrate the protective suit for Indy 500 drivers on Oct. 13, 1964, at the Central Indiana Firemenâs Convention at the Marion County Fairgrounds. The suit developed a minor problem when Gough brushed the face mask used for the first time in this test. âThis was the first time we exposed the mask (plastic with gold coating) to direct flame and we found it that it will pull up and crack. I got my nose burned when I brushed the mask and it collapsed inward. Well replace the plastic with tempered glass.â
(From left) Three time Indy 500 winner Wilber Shaw holds an early racing helmet while chatting with Barney Oldfield, âThe Speed King,â at the Legion Ascot Speedway in California. Shaw used his experience working at Firestone to help develop synthetic rubber tires, the âChannel Tread" tire, and self sealing inner tires to prevent blowouts. Oldfield, a safety advocate, wore a safety harness long before it was standard and was the first to do a 100 mph lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Flames leap from a racing suit worn by Bill Simpson, president of Simpson Safety Equipment, after he was doused with gasoline and set on fire on Wednesday, May 15th, 1986. The demonstration showed how technical advances in fire retardant clothing have benefitted race car drivers. The flames burned for about 20 seconds before being extinguished.
Ray Harroun sits in his Marmon Wasp after winning the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. He averaged 74.602 mph in completing the first 500 in 6 hours, 42 minutes and 8 seconds. The Wasp's safety innovations, including the first known rear view mirror, allowed the car to be a single seater, without a mechanic, reducing weight.
Allison Engineering Company building at 1200 North Main Street in Speedway circa 1917. James A. Allison, a partner with Carl Fisher in the Prest-O-Lite, which made automobile lamps, began the business as a machine shop in 1913 and changed its name to the Allison Engineering Company in 1917. The company was a major producer of aircraft engines, hardware, and transmissions. Allison and Fishers were two of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. General Motors purchased the company in 1929, a year after James Allison died. The building was home to Riley & Scott who built open-wheel racing car chassis, including the Indy Racing League chassis from 1997-2000. The building is currently in private hands.
Allison Engineering Company building at 1200 North Main Street in Speedway circa 1917. James A. Allison, a partner with Carl Fisher in the Prest-O-Lite, which made automobile lamps, began the business as a machine shop in 1913 and changed its name to the Allison Engineering Company in 1917. The company was a major producer of aircraft engines, hardware, and transmissions. Allison and Fishers were two of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. General Motors purchased the company in 1929, a year after James Allison died. The building was home to Riley & Scott who built open-wheel racing car chassis, including the Indy Racing League chassis from 1997-2000. The building is currently in private hands.
Norman Graham Hill, nicknamed "Mr. Monaco,â checks his hair in his side mirror at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He won the 1966 Indy 500 with the Mecom Racing Team. It was the 50th running of the race, and 150th anniversary of Indianaâs statehood.
"Preston Tucker and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow" by Steve Lehto (Chicago Review Press)
This pair of extremely advance rear engine Gulf Miller racers, shown with George Bailey, were built in the late 1930âs and possessed design features which are used today. They were far ahead of themselves, however, and were not successful. The remaining one is still in existence, May 27, 1972. In the 1941 Indy 500, two Gulf Oil Miller Rear- Engine Racers were entered in Indy 500 Race by Eddie Offutt. One #35, was eventually purchased by George Barringer, and the other was destroyed in a race day garage fire. In 1946 Preston Tucker entered the #12 racer in the 500, which finished 28th. In 1947 Preston Tucker wanted to promote his dream of the Tucker '48 sedan by racing a team of three in the 1947 Indy 500. The #66 Tucker '48 Special Racer.
Preston Tucker was an American automobile entrepreneur who developed the Tucker 48, also known as the "Tucker Torpedo.â The innovative vehicle introduced many of the safety innovations in modern cars of today. Tucker learned to drive at age 11 and set about buying old junkers and fixing them up to sell. In the 1930âs Tucker spent time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he met Harry Miller. Tucker moved to Indianapolis and they formed "Miller and Tucker, Inc." in 1935. After Millerâs death in 1943, Tucker helped Millerâs widow pay for the funeral. During this time Tucker also met the Chevrolet brothers and John Eddie Offutt, who would later help him build his prototype of the Tucker 48.
Jeff Bridges starred as automobile visionary Preston Tucker in the 1988 biopic "Tucker: A Man and his Dream."
Record breaking aviator and honorary official for the Indianapolis 500 Roscoe Turner drives fellow aviator Eddie Rickenbackerâs #10 Maxwell, which Rickenbacker drove in the 1916 race. Turner was a three-time winner of the Thompson Trophy air race and flew in the Howard Hughes film Hellâs Angels. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1952. In 1962, Turner was named "Character of the Year" by aviationâs International Order of Characters after flying with Gilmore Oilâs mascot, a lion cub named Gilmore.
Jimmy Murphyâs Durant Special in 1923 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Murphy became the first Californian to win the Indy 500 in 1922.
The debut of the turbine-powered STB Turbocar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 27, 1968, in Indianapolis.
The Pope-Hartford racer driven in the 1911 and 1912 Indy 500. The car was wrecked when it blew out a tire. Driver Frank Fox and his riding mechanic, Fred J. Horey, were injured.
Jimmy Jackson sits in his #61 Cummins Diesel Special, 1950, nicknamed the Green Hornet. Jackson was forced to drop out of the 500 after 50 laps due to mechanical issues. Jackson also set a land speed record of 165.23 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in the car the same year.
1 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
A rear-engine Tucker Torpedo Special prototype built by the famed Harry Miller qualified for the 1946 Indianapolis 500 with George Barringer at the wheel. This concept eventually became the Tucker 48. Gear trouble forced Barringer out of the race. The production version, not shown here, 1946â1948 Tucker Torpedo sedan designed by Preston Tucker, changed automobile history forever with its rear engine, safety chamber, roll bar, padded dashboard, and collapsible steering column, cyclops headlight which turned with the car and pop-out shatter proof windshield.
1 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
A rear-engine Tucker Torpedo Special prototype built by the famed Harry Miller qualified for the 1946 Indianapolis 500 with George Barringer at the wheel. This concept eventually became the Tucker 48. Gear trouble forced Barringer out of the race. The production version, not shown here, 1946â1948 Tucker Torpedo sedan designed by Preston Tucker, changed automobile history forever with its rear engine, safety chamber, roll bar, padded dashboard, and collapsible steering column, cyclops headlight which turned with the car and pop-out shatter proof windshield.
2 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Clessie Cummins, Co-Founder of Cummins Inc. and the honorary chairman of the board sits in the cockpit of the 1931 No. 8 Cummins Diesel car, the first Cummins to enter the Indy 500. The first car in history to complete all 500 miles without pit stops, the Cummins-Powered Duesenberg finished 13th with an average speed of just over 86 mph. After the win, Cummins founders W.G. Irwin and Clessie Cummins drove the car on a European tour to promote the engines.
3 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
In 1909, just after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was paved with 3.2 million bricks, J. Walter Christie drove his front-wheel-drive Christie V-4 racer in speed trials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, setting a record running a half-mile in 17.53 seconds. Christie achieved high speeds on the straits, but was slowed by the turns. The car featured no mechanicâs seat and was described as a torpedo on wheels. In 1916 it became the first car to officially lap the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at over 100 mph, when it was driven by Barney Oldfield.
4 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Fire protection suit engineer, Ed Gough, who designed the suit, walks through 45 feet of flame in 3,5000 degrees heat to demonstrate the protective suit for Indy 500 drivers on Oct. 13, 1964, at the Central Indiana Firemenâs Convention at the Marion County Fairgrounds. The suit developed a minor problem when Gough brushed the face mask used for the first time in this test. âThis was the first time we exposed the mask (plastic with gold coating) to direct flame and we found it that it will pull up and crack. I got my nose burned when I brushed the mask and it collapsed inward. Well replace the plastic with tempered glass.â
5 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
(From left) Three time Indy 500 winner Wilber Shaw holds an early racing helmet while chatting with Barney Oldfield, âThe Speed King,â at the Legion Ascot Speedway in California. Shaw used his experience working at Firestone to help develop synthetic rubber tires, the âChannel Tread" tire, and self sealing inner tires to prevent blowouts. Oldfield, a safety advocate, wore a safety harness long before it was standard and was the first to do a 100 mph lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
6 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Flames leap from a racing suit worn by Bill Simpson, president of Simpson Safety Equipment, after he was doused with gasoline and set on fire on Wednesday, May 15th, 1986. The demonstration showed how technical advances in fire retardant clothing have benefitted race car drivers. The flames burned for about 20 seconds before being extinguished.
7 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Ray Harroun sits in his Marmon Wasp after winning the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. He averaged 74.602 mph in completing the first 500 in 6 hours, 42 minutes and 8 seconds. The Wasp's safety innovations, including the first known rear view mirror, allowed the car to be a single seater, without a mechanic, reducing weight.
8 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Allison Engineering Company building at 1200 North Main Street in Speedway circa 1917. James A. Allison, a partner with Carl Fisher in the Prest-O-Lite, which made automobile lamps, began the business as a machine shop in 1913 and changed its name to the Allison Engineering Company in 1917. The company was a major producer of aircraft engines, hardware, and transmissions. Allison and Fishers were two of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. General Motors purchased the company in 1929, a year after James Allison died. The building was home to Riley & Scott who built open-wheel racing car chassis, including the Indy Racing League chassis from 1997-2000. The building is currently in private hands.
9 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Allison Engineering Company building at 1200 North Main Street in Speedway circa 1917. James A. Allison, a partner with Carl Fisher in the Prest-O-Lite, which made automobile lamps, began the business as a machine shop in 1913 and changed its name to the Allison Engineering Company in 1917. The company was a major producer of aircraft engines, hardware, and transmissions. Allison and Fishers were two of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. General Motors purchased the company in 1929, a year after James Allison died. The building was home to Riley & Scott who built open-wheel racing car chassis, including the Indy Racing League chassis from 1997-2000. The building is currently in private hands.
10 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Norman Graham Hill, nicknamed "Mr. Monaco,â checks his hair in his side mirror at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He won the 1966 Indy 500 with the Mecom Racing Team. It was the 50th running of the race, and 150th anniversary of Indianaâs statehood.
11 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
"Preston Tucker and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow" by Steve Lehto (Chicago Review Press)
12 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
This pair of extremely advance rear engine Gulf Miller racers, shown with George Bailey, were built in the late 1930âs and possessed design features which are used today. They were far ahead of themselves, however, and were not successful. The remaining one is still in existence, May 27, 1972. In the 1941 Indy 500, two Gulf Oil Miller Rear- Engine Racers were entered in Indy 500 Race by Eddie Offutt. One #35, was eventually purchased by George Barringer, and the other was destroyed in a race day garage fire. In 1946 Preston Tucker entered the #12 racer in the 500, which finished 28th. In 1947 Preston Tucker wanted to promote his dream of the Tucker '48 sedan by racing a team of three in the 1947 Indy 500. The #66 Tucker '48 Special Racer.
13 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Preston Tucker was an American automobile entrepreneur who developed the Tucker 48, also known as the "Tucker Torpedo.â The innovative vehicle introduced many of the safety innovations in modern cars of today. Tucker learned to drive at age 11 and set about buying old junkers and fixing them up to sell. In the 1930âs Tucker spent time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he met Harry Miller. Tucker moved to Indianapolis and they formed "Miller and Tucker, Inc." in 1935. After Millerâs death in 1943, Tucker helped Millerâs widow pay for the funeral. During this time Tucker also met the Chevrolet brothers and John Eddie Offutt, who would later help him build his prototype of the Tucker 48.
14 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Jeff Bridges starred as automobile visionary Preston Tucker in the 1988 biopic "Tucker: A Man and his Dream."
15 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Record breaking aviator and honorary official for the Indianapolis 500 Roscoe Turner drives fellow aviator Eddie Rickenbackerâs #10 Maxwell, which Rickenbacker drove in the 1916 race. Turner was a three-time winner of the Thompson Trophy air race and flew in the Howard Hughes film Hellâs Angels. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1952. In 1962, Turner was named "Character of the Year" by aviationâs International Order of Characters after flying with Gilmore Oilâs mascot, a lion cub named Gilmore.
16 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Jimmy Murphyâs Durant Special in 1923 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Murphy became the first Californian to win the Indy 500 in 1922.
17 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
The debut of the turbine-powered STB Turbocar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 27, 1968, in Indianapolis.
18 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
The Pope-Hartford racer driven in the 1911 and 1912 Indy 500. The car was wrecked when it blew out a tire. Driver Frank Fox and his riding mechanic, Fred J. Horey, were injured.
19 / 19
Photos:The Indy 500 cars that changed safety on and off the track
Jimmy Jackson sits in his #61 Cummins Diesel Special, 1950, nicknamed the Green Hornet. Jackson was forced to drop out of the 500 after 50 laps due to mechanical issues. Jackson also set a land speed record of 165.23 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in the car the same year.
Indy 500 weather history
IndyStar analyzed 20 years of historic data from Weather Underground for May 24, this year's Race Day.
Daily temperatures averaged in the high 60s and it rained only one day out of the last 20 since 2006. Precipitation totals on rainy days were light, with the highest on record at only one-tenth of an inch.