Indy 500: Dates set for Month of May activities at IMS
The stars of the Verizon IndyCar Series will take to the famed 2.5-mile oval for the first time on Sunday, May 3, for a test session featuring the highly anticipated debut of oval aero kits. Speeds on the oval are anticipated to be higher with the aero kits, which feature body work modifications that will bring renewed innovation and differentiate Chevrolet- and Honda-badged Dallara race cars for fans.
IMS will then take three days to transition from the oval configuration to the 2.434-mile, 14-turn road course for the second annual Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis. The road course incorporates portions of Turns 1 and 2 and the front straightaway of the oval with the remainder of the circuit within the infield, allowing for great spectator viewing beginning with a free-admission practice day on Thursday, May 7, and qualification day on May 8. Simon Pagenaud will look to defend his title on Race Day on Saturday, May 9.
"Winning the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis in 2014 was definitely one of the highlights of my career. It's a beautiful circuit and it represents a great way to kick off the on-track activities for the Month of May," said Pagenaud, of Team Penske. "The Verizon IndyCar Series is the most fan-friendly series in the world. To open up the practice on May 7 and the garage on May 8 – for free! – is an amazing treat for our fans. I hope many of them come out to see our new 2015 body kits and the high-speed racing that is sure to be thrilling."
On Monday, May 11, the oval will be host to eight consecutive days of on-track activity with a unique late afternoon/evening practice session from 4-7 p.m. in preparation for the Indianapolis 500. Practice sessions will be held from May 11-15, culminating with Fast Friday (May 15), followed by qualification weekend on May 16-17, including Old National Armed Forces Pole Day on Sunday, May 17. The next day, Monday, May 18, will feature the final full day of practice, which is always one of the busiest on the track.
"I am really excited for the month of May activities! Opening Day will be even more interesting this year with the introduction of aero kits, it will be the first time we get on track with them at IMS," said two-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter of CFH Racing. "The qualifying format last year was a lot of fun, and I look forward to trying to be part of the action again, but more importantly I can't wait to get another chance to fulfill my dream of drinking milk!"
Fans can enjoy their own experiences on the oval on Wednesday, May 20, with the IMS Racing Experience and Fan Track Laps. Fans will be able to take Indy Racing Experience two-seat rides around the oval and drive their own cars on the track from 4-7 p.m., while many of the Verizon IndyCar Series drivers will go into the community visiting schools and participating in other outreach activities (more details to come at a later date).
On-track activity continues with a long-time Indianapolis Motor Speedway tradition and fan favorite – Coors Light Carb Day on Friday, May 22. In addition to the final Indianapolis 500 practice session, Carb Day will feature the Indy Lights Freedom 100 (practice and qualifying is on Thursday, May 21), TAG Heuer Pit Stop Challenge and Coors Light Carb Day Concert.
The eve of the Indianapolis 500, Saturday, May 23, features Legends Day Honoring Al Unser presented by Firestone, the traditional full-field autograph session, public drivers meeting and a Concert presented by Firestone, with the entertainers to be announced.
The 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will be contested on Sunday, May 24. Ryan Hunter-Reay is the defending champion. In the infield will be the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Miller Lite.
"Anticipation is already building and we are once again excited about our on track schedule as well as the other activities that will make this a special Month of May," said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. "Starting with the debut of the aero kits on the oval, followed by the second running of the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, the first week of activity will provide a perfect lead up to Indianapolis 500 practice, qualifying and the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500. May can't get here fast enough!"
2015 Month of May schedule
| Saturday, May 2 | OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon | |
| – | Rev: Methodist Health Foundation charity kick-off event at IMS | |
| Sunday, May 3 | Opening Day – Verizon IndyCar Series oval test (aero kits debut) | |
| Thursday, May 7 | Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis practice (free to the public) | |
| Friday, May 8 | Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis qualifications | |
| Saturday, May 9 | Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis Race Day | |
| May 11-14 | Indianapolis 500 practice | |
| Friday, May 15 | Indianapolis 500 practice – Fast Friday | |
| Saturday, May 16 | Indianapolis 500 qualifications | |
| Sunday, May 17 | Old National Armed Forces Pole Day | |
| Monday, May 18 | Indianapolis 500 practice | |
| Wednesday, May 20 | IMS Racing Experience & Fan Track Laps | |
| – | Driver Community Day | |
| Thursday, May 21 | Indy Lights practice and qualifications | |
| Friday, May 22 | Coors Light Carb Day | |
| – | Indianapolis 500 practice | |
| – | Freedom 100 race | |
| – | TAG Heuer Pit Stop Challenge | |
| – | Coors Light Carb Day concert | |
| Saturday, May 23 | Legends Day Honoring Al Unser presented by Firestone | |
| – | Concert presented by Firestone | |
| Sunday, May 24 | 99th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race | |
| – | Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Miller Lite |
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Fans have three quick, convenient methods to buy tickets:
• Online: Visit www.ims.com/tickets. Tickets are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
• Phone: Call 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.
• In Person: Visit the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.