INDIANAPOLIS – With the specter of rain within the forecast Sunday morning, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles mentioned the beginning of the 108th Indy 500 could possibly be affected.
Throughout a press convention at 6:20 a.m. ET, Boles mentioned IMS will possible decide by 9-10 a.m. on find out how to deal with the schedule for the pre-race ceremonies.
“We had a number of conversations final evening with our inside crew, our security crew and NBC,” Boles mentioned. “Our plan is to proceed to watch the storm. We'll get a while sooner or later. Our greatest concern just isn’t rain a lot as lightning.
“The subsequent two hours will actually outline when the storm may hit Indianapolis. We nonetheless have a number of hours to watch the climate and make one other resolution about what we have to do to maintain our clients protected.”
Listed below are the beginning instances, full schedule, TV information and streaming to look at the 108th Indy 500 on Might 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
IMS clears the stands when lightning strikes inside eight miles of the observe.
Boles mentioned with the anticipated storm passing, the climate appears good to start out racing the remainder of Sunday. He additionally famous that regardless of a 100% likelihood of rain in 2019, the race began on time and completed after a quick morning bathe.
“That's why we're ready,” Boles mentioned. “We're actually hopeful that we'll get a window.”
Boles mentioned the storm was on observe to make landfall by midday or by 1 p.m.
The inexperienced flag is scheduled for 12:45 PM ET.
Boles mentioned the observe thought of shifting the beginning up 30 minutes, however determined at four:45 a.m. ET to stay with the unique schedule.
“There was consideration of shifting the beginning time to 12:15, nevertheless it didn't make sense to try this,” Boles mentioned. “The very last thing we would like is to maneuver it to 12.15pm and have clients ready after which should ask them to go away due to the climate. Due to the place (the storm) is monitoring, that doesn't make sense and perhaps it will put us in a worse scenario.”
Indy 500 protection will start at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.