The 108th running of the Indy 500 is here, and it should be quite the year for “the greatest spectacle in racing.” The storylines are abundant.
Team Penske claimed pole position, with Scott McLaughlin breaking the four-lap qualifying record with his average of 234.220 mph. But controversy has followed them this year after a cheating scandal involving the Indy 500 defending champion Josef Newgarden, who gave an emotional apology back in April.
It’s not just IndyCar drivers this year, either. All eyes are on NASCAR’s points leader Kyle Larson as he attempts to complete the infamous “Double” — running all laps of both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Potentially complicating his plans and contributing one more storyline to the day? Former President Donald Trump may be in attendance, which would bump up security measures at the race.
And that’s not even getting into the raucous festivities, traditions and celebrations leading up to the race. And potential weather delays.
Follow The Athletic‘s live blog throughout the day as our racing experts break down all the drama.
