Rain delays Indy 500 build-up, qualifying session at risk

INDIANAPOLIS: Intermittent rain disrupted preparations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, forcing the cancellation of morning practice and putting Saturday’s Indianapolis 500 qualifying session at risk.

The IndyCar Series called off the scheduled 8.30–9.30 am ET full-field practice as scattered showers and storms continued over the 2.5-mile oval. Qualifying runs, planned from 11 am to 5.50 pm ET, were also under threat due to persistent wet conditions.

Despite the weather, cars were still moving through pre-race inspection lines on Saturday morning, according to local reports. Officials warned that if all 33 drivers cannot complete at least one qualifying attempt, the session would be pushed to Sunday, creating a tightly packed schedule of knockout rounds.

The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24, with defending champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing set to return.