Enjoy a FREE day at the Indy 500 Track before Grand Prix

Kick off the best month in racing today at the IMS.

It’s pretty rare that you get to watch cars go around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for FREE, especially in the month of May. Before the Indianapolis 500 takes our city by storm, however, you can enjoy a wide variety of racing events to whet your appetite. For example, the new Indy Grand Prix takes center stage this weekend.

Even before the Grand Prix, however, you can enjoy Practice Day right now for FREE. The gates to the Speedway officially open today, and the public is welcome to enjoy the action. The vast majority of the schedule today involves practice times, but there’s something about hearing those engines roaring and taking in the sights at the greatest race course in the world. If you want to see the Grand Prix practice session for FREE, keep the following schedule of events in mind:

10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series Practice – Track
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – USF2000 Practice – Track
12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Pro Mazda Practice – Track
1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Indy Lights Practice – Track
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series Practice – Track
3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – USF2000 Practice – Track
3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Pro Mazda Practice – Track
4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – Indy Lights Practice – Track
5:30 p.m. – Celebration of Automobiles Track Laps – Track
6:30 p.m. – Gates Close – IMS

The FREE times continue to roll on Friday, May 9, too, with second annual Indy Family Foundation’s Festival on Main from 6 to 10 pm. Bring the family because everyone will enjoy their turn at trying to dunk local celebrities from Fox 59: sports director Chris Hagan and meteorologist Jennifer Ketchmark. Jennifer, you better forecast some high temperatures because we suspect that water is chilly.

You’ll have a chance to meet with several Indycar drivers and enjoy a performance from country singer Carrie Lee. Again, the event is FREE, but proceeds from some of the activities and food vendors will benefit families injured on the Indycar circuit.

Can’t get to the west side of Indy tonight? Then this may be more your speed: IndyCar driver MarcoAndretti will be signing autographs at the Walgreens at 116 St. and Rangeline Road from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.