INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ryan Hunter-Reay was the leader at the halfway point of the Indianapolis 500 as he looked for a second victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Hunter-Reay, in a one-off entry for DRR-Cusick Motorsports, won the Indy 500 in 2014 as a driver for Andretti Global. Him leading Sunday with 100 laps remaining was fitting for a race that was first briefly delayed by rain and then hit with a rash of weird incidents.

Scott McLaughlin crashed on the warm-up lap while swerving to get heat in his tires. Scott Dixon had a brake fire before the race went green and then Marco Andretti was crashed on the first lap.

It was reminiscent of the 1992 Indianapolis 500, when pole-sitter Roberto Guerrero spun out and crashed while also trying to warm up his tires during the parade laps.

“I really have no idea what happened,” a heartbroken McLaughlin said. “I can’t believe we’re out of the race. I had so much hope. It’s the worst moment of my life.”

The bizarre only continued as Alexander Rossi went to pit road with smoke coming from the back of his car, only for it to erupt into flames and his fueler caught fire. Rossi angrily flung his gloves over the pit road wall as he fled from the flames.

Rinus VeeKay lost his brakes and crashed on pit road and then Robert Shwartzman, the first rookie to start from the pole since 1983, lost control entering his pit stall and hit several of his Prema Racing crew members.

“As soon as I touched my brakes, the whole front just locked and I ran into my guys,” Shwartzman said. “It was really scary because when I braked, I was just a passenger.”

Shwartzman, a dual national of Israel and Russia and first rookie to lead the field to green since 1983, was making his oval debut. The 25-year-old drives under the Israel flag and is the first Israeli in the field.

On the next restart, Kyle Larson’s attempt to complete “the double” of 1,100-miles on the same day when he was collected in a three-car collision. It ended his Indy 500 and allowed Larson to head to the airport to get to Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina in time for the Coca-Cola 600.

“Just bummed out,” Larson said. “Try to get over this quickly and get on to Charlotte and just forget about it.”

Two-time defending race winner Josef Newgarden, meanwhile, carved his way through traffic from starting on the last row into the top-10 by the 80th lap of the race. Newgarden and Team Penske teammate Will Power were dropped to 32nd and 33rd for the start for failing an inspection ahead of qualifying.

Newgarden is trying to become the first driver to win the 500 in three consecutive years; no driver has ever won from the last row.

Roger Penske delivered the command for drivers to start their engines after a 42-minute delay for rain — a pause that had already put Larson’s double attempt in jeopardy.

The NASCAR star had a 4 p.m. deadline to leave Indianapolis to make it to Charlotte, where the Coca-Cola 600 is his priority. Only one driver has ever completed all 1,100 miles — Tony Stewart in 2001. Larson’s bid failed last year because a rain delay in Indianapolis made him miss the Coca-Cola 600.

Larson could be seen checking his watch from inside his car as he waited for Penske’s command. He’s starting second in Charlotte and started 19th in the Indy 500.

Pato O’Ward, a two-time Indy 500 runner-up, and two-time reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou were the co-favorites, listed at +500 by BetMGM when the race began. O’Ward started third and would be the first Mexican winner; Palou, winner of four of the first five races this season, would be the first Spanish winner should he earn his first career victory on an oval track.

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The greatest spectacle in racing has arrived, the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. The Last Word on Motorsports team has made our picks for who goes into history as a winner of the Indianapolis 500.

The Picks Are In; LWOS Picks for the 109th Indianapolis 500:

The biggest race in the world, the largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500, is the race every race car driver wants to win. Over 800 drivers have started this race across its 109 runnings, but only 75 have won the race. Who can join that few in history?

We here at Last Word on Motorsports have compiled our picks for four categories. They are,

• Overall Winner: The one who crosses the yard of bricks first and wins the race.
• Best Loser: Who has the potential to lead lots of laps, but not collect the checkered flag at the end of 200 laps?
• Dark Horse Winner: Who has been quiet all of the Month of May and is a contender for the win.

And something inspired by the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race, a manufacturer’s challenge. Which of the two manufacturers, Honda or Chevy, will have the most cars in the top ten at the race’s end?

IndyCar writers Isabelle Ferrante and Krysti Jaglal, along with NASCAR writer Kaleb Kraus, and I have all shared our picks for these four categories. Here are the picks…

Overall Winner of the Indianapolis 500:

Isabelle: Scott McLaughlin

Krysti: Pato O’Ward

Kaleb: Pato O’Ward

Hayden: Pato O’Ward

The second-place driver has impressed the majority of us with his performance in 2024. On the final lap going into turn 3, O’Ward was overtaken by Josef Newgarden, who would win his second Indy 500 in a row. This year, O’Ward is starting third, and Newgarden has been relegated to a 32nd-place starting spot.

Scott McLaughlin is another good pick by Isabelle. McLaughlin won his first oval race last year at Iowa and has said that with that win, he believes he has the knowledge to get it done at Indy.

Great picks by the whole team.

Dark Horse Winner:

Isabelle: Nolan Siegel

Krysti: David Malukas

Kaleb: Kyle Larson

Hayden: Scott McLaughlin

While we have all chosen different drivers, it is clear we all agree on one thing. We believe a Chevrolet will win this race. AJ Foyt, Arrow McLaren, and Team Penske are all cars that run up front at the Indy 500. While they don’t shine as bright as some of their teammates, these are cars with pace. Look out for these cars on Sunday with 25 to go.

READ MORE: Unfinished Business, Kyle Larson to attempt ‘The Double’ again in 2025

Biggest Loser of the Indy 500:

Isabelle: Felix Rosenqvist

Krysti: Robert Shwartzman

Kaleb: Alex Palou

Hayden: Alex Palou

A mixed bag for this category. Starting with Rosenqvist, Indianapolis is the track he has led the most laps at in his career. His best starting spot, 3rd in 2023, saw him lead 33 laps, but a crash would relegate him to a 27th-place finish. This year, he is starting fifth, we could see Felix get out front and lead, but not the lap that matters.

Shwartzman has been the talk of the grid since last Sunday. The rookie, who had never qualified on an oval, took a car from a team that had never raced at Indy, to the 1st starting position. That #83 Chevy has lots of speed, but can the rookie tame it?

While Alex Palou has dominated everything this season, I still believe that Palou has not mastered the ovals yet. He has had the most pace in multiple practice sessions, but we have seen this track bite Palou. I don’t think Indy has picked Palou to win just yet.

Manufacturer With Most Cars In The Top-Ten:

Chevrolet, Unanimously

Well, we all picked Chevy to have the most cars inside the top ten. Chevrolet has 15 cars on the starting grid, compared to Honda’s 18 cars. Chevrolet clearly has the most pace, 2/3’s of the front row are bow-ties, but the manufacturers tie with 5 of each inside the top-ten. Chevrolet has won the last two Indy 500s with Newgarden, and based on our picks, we don’t think they’ll be stopping now.

Will our picks be correct? Or will Indianapolis prove us wrong? Stay connected to Last Word on Motorsports to find out…

READ MORE: Robert Shwartzman Becomes First Rookie Indy 500 Pole Sitter in 43 Years

Main Photo: James Black, Penske Entertainment

Recording Date: 5/27/2024

INDIANAPOLIS – The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 will commence Sunday. The annual automobile race will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.  

When is the Indy 500?

Indianapolis hosted its annual IndyCar road race May 10. Indianapolis 500 qualifying was held May 17-18, and the Greatest Spectacle in Racing is set for May 25.

Conor Daly, driver of the #24 DRR-CUSICK MOTORSPORTS, leads during the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

What time does the race start?

The race was set to begin at 12:45 p.m. ET, but experienced a rain delay. 

How to watch and stream the race?

The Indy 500 will be broadcast on FOX. It will also be available to stream live on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app.

Who to watch in the Indy 500?

You can view the entry list here. 

Four-time Super Bowl champion and FOX NFL studio analyst Rob Gronkowski will make his debut at the Racing Capital of the World as grand marshal of the Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit.

“I can’t wait for this year’s Indianapolis 500 on FOX,” he said in an online statement. “Not only do I get to attend my first-ever Indy 500, I’ll do it in style as the grand marshal of the legendary Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit. This is one of the coolest combinations of sports and music out there and in the ultimate venue. I’m ready to get the party started and celebrate the biggest race in the world.”

INDIANAPOLIS — Scott McLaughlin crashed during the warm-up laps for the Indianapolis 500 and immediately burst into tears. The Team Penske driver slammed into the wall as he was swerving to warm his tires before Sunday’s green flag.

The New Zealander, who was slated to start 10th, buried his head in his hands while crouched on the infield grass. McLaughlin was Penske’s highest-starting driver after two-time defending race winner Josef Newgarden and Will Power were penalized and dropped to the back of the field for failing inspection.

It was reminiscent of the 1992 Indianapolis 500, when pole-sitter Roberto Guerrero spun out and crashed while also trying to warm up his tires during the parade laps.

“I really have no idea what happened,” a heartbroken McLaughlin said. “I can’t believe we’re out of the race. I had so much hope. It’s the worst moment of my life.”

At the same time that McLaughlin was being tended to, smoke and flames began shooting out from under Scott Dixon’s car. It was not clear what the issue was for the Chip Ganassi Racing driver, who is the 2008 race winner.

When the race went green, Marco Andretti made contact with first Jack Harvey, which caused him to spin, before Marcus Armstrong hit Andretti on the first lap. His father and grandfather, Michael Andretti and Mario Andretti, just shook their heads in disbelief.

It makes for back-to-back DNF’s for Andretti in the race his grandfather won in 1969.

Roger Penske delivered the command for drivers to start their engines after a 42-minute delay for rain — a pause that put Kyle Larson’s attempt to complete “the double” and race 1,100-miles in one day in jeopardy.

The NASCAR star must leave Indianapolis Motor Speedway by 4 p.m. to make it to Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, where the Coca-Cola 600 is his priority. Only one driver has ever completed all 1,100 miles — Tony Stewart in 2001. Larson’s bid failed last year because a rain delay in Indianapolis made him miss the Coca-Cola 600.

Larson could be seen checking his watch from inside his car as he waited for Penske’s command. He’s starting second in Charlotte and 19th in the Indy 500.

Meanwhile, a swarm of people poured through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gates as soon as it opened. Some were shirtless, some wore American flag overalls, others checkered flag mini-skirts.

As they entered the main tunnel nearly five hours before the race, a large group began a thunderous “Let’s Go Pacers!” chant; The Indiana Pacers host Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks a few hours after the 109th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

The grandstands are sold out for the first time since 2016 and IndyCar expects 350,000 people will be on IMS property for Sunday’s race. One tunnel at the speedway had to be closed to motorized vehicles four hours before the race to handle the pedestrian volume.

Pato O’Ward, a two-time Indy 500 runner-up, and two-time reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou are the co-favorites, listed at +500 by BetMGM. O’Ward starts third and would be the first Mexican winner; Palou, winner of four of the first five races this season, would be the first Spanish winner should he earn his first career victory on an oval track.

Robert Shwartzman, a dual national of Israel and Russia, will be the first rookie to lead the field to green since 1983 in the Indianapolis 500 debut for Prema Racing. The Italian team is dominant in Europe but new this season to IndyCar, and Shwartzman has never raced on an oval.

The 25-year-old drives under the Israel flag and is the first Israeli in the field.All eyes will be on Penske drivers Newgarden and Power, who started 32nd and 33rd following inspection failures that dropped them to the back of the field. Newgarden is the two-time defending race winner and trying to become the first in history to win three-straight Indy 500s.

No driver has ever won from starting on the last row. Rivals have already declared the Penskes the fastest cars in the field and have said they look forward to watching them pick their way through traffic.

MORE TO COME ON THIS STORY

Originally Published: May 25, 2025 at 11:42 AM PDT

A Gathering of Titans: Sports Legends Converge at Premier Motorsports Event

In a scene that could only be described as the epitome of sports royalty, an extraordinary gathering took place, setting the stage for an unforgettable spectacle. Imagine the convergence of baseball legends Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez with none other than the NFL titan Tom Brady, whose career and persona command a staggering valuation of $300 million. Adding to this illustrious assembly was Michael Strahan, a figure synonymous with versatility and success both on and off the field. This was not the makings of a dream team conjured up in the minds of sports aficionados but a real-life assembly at one of America’s grandest motorsports events.

A Fusion of Excellence Across Disciplines

The presence of such distinguished athletes at a single event underscores a fascinating blend of excellence spanning different sports disciplines. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of competitive spirit and the unifying power of sports. Derek Jeter, a name that resonates with baseball purists and casual fans alike, brings a legacy of dedication and achievement. Alex Rodriguez, another baseball icon, shares a similar stature, having left an indelible mark on the game. Tom Brady, a figure who transcends the realm of the NFL, adds to this mix with his unparalleled career achievements and global recognition. Michael Strahan complements this group perfectly, bridging the gap between sports and mainstream celebrity with his post-football endeavors.

The Impact of Their Presence

The gathering of these sports luminaries at a motorsports event is not just a casual outing but a significant moment that highlights the cross-pollination of fan bases and the broadening appeal of sports events. Their attendance brings a spotlight not only to the event itself but also to the athletes’ ongoing contributions to sports and society. It’s a powerful reminder of how sports figures continue to influence and inspire long after their official playing days are over.

Reflections on Legacy and Influence

The convergence of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Tom Brady, and Michael Strahan at such a venue serves as a vivid illustration of the enduring nature of sports legacies. It’s a celebration of career achievements, personal growth, and the continuous impact these athletes have on fans and aspiring sports figures alike. Their presence at the motorsports event goes beyond mere celebrity sighting; it’s a royal spectacle that elevates the occasion, enriching the experience for attendees and viewers alike.

A Future Filled with Possibilities

As the dust settles on this memorable gathering, it leaves us with a profound appreciation for the journeys of these sports giants and a keen anticipation for what the future holds. The blending of talents and recognition across different sports disciplines at such events opens up exciting possibilities for collaboration, charity, and furthering the cause of sports in society. It’s a reminder that the influence of great athletes extends far beyond their respective fields of play, contributing to a legacy that inspires generations to come.

In the end, the union of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Tom Brady, and Michael Strahan at a premier motorsports event is more than just a momentary spectacle. It’s a testament to the enduring power of sports, the unbreakable bonds between its greatest figures, and the infinite potential for positive impact that these legends carry with them wherever they go.

Memorial Day weekend marks the biggest three days of motorsports in the world. Stars of NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1 will be action for some of the biggest races of their seasons.