The start of the Indianapolis 500 faced a delay due to a strong storm that forced officials to evacuate fans. The race was expected to begin at 12:45 p.m. ET but had to be postponed due to the severe weather conditions. Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are hoping for a window after the initial band of rain to dry the track and complete at least 101 laps to make the race official.
In the event that the rain persists, the entire 200-lap race will be postponed to Monday. NASCAR star Kyle Larson’s plans to run both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on Sunday night were also in question. Larson is attempting to be the fifth driver in history to complete “The Double” by participating in both races on the same day.
The defending winner of the Indy 500 is Josef Newgarden, and his Team Penske teammates Will Power and pole sitter Scott McLaughlin join him on the front row. McLaughlin set a new qualifying record with an average speed of 234.220 mph. However, Newgarden and McLaughlin’s standings were affected after IndyCar discovered illegal push-to-pass software on their cars, resulting in suspensions for team employees.
Chevrolet claimed the first eight spots on the grid in qualifying, but Honda has shown competitive race trim. This has left no clear favorite for the race, making it an exciting event for fans and spectators.
In summary, the Indianapolis 500 faced a delay due to severe weather conditions, and officials are working to ensure a safe and successful race. Fans should stay tuned for further updates on the event and the potential rescheduling to Monday. The competition promises to be intense with both Chevrolet and Honda showing strong performances in qualifying. Stay updated with the latest news and updates on the Indy 500.
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