Fans searching for the IndyCar race today usually want instant answers: start time, TV channel, streaming coverage, qualifying results, and the latest grid before engines fire. Whether today’s event is a high-speed oval showdown at the Brickyard or a tight street circuit battle in Detroit, IndyCar weekends move fast.
As we reach the heart of May 2026, the motorsport world has its eyes fixed firmly on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Today, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the roar of engines isn’t for a trophy yet, but for the grueling preparation required for the world’s most famous race. We are officially in the “Month of May,” and the schedule is packed with high-stakes practice and technical drama.
Is There an IndyCar Race Today?
Yes, there is IndyCar action today! While today is not a “Points Race” day, it is Practice Day 2 for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
In the IndyCar race world, particularly in May, “Today” often refers to the critical sessions that determine who makes the field for the big show. Following Christian Lundgaard’s thrilling victory at the Sonsio Grand Prix on the IMS Road Course last weekend, all 33+ entries have switched to their “Oval kits” to begin the hunt for the Borg-Warner Trophy.
- Event: 110th Indianapolis 500 Practice
- Status: Live Practice Sessions (Open Track)
- Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2.5-mile Oval)
IndyCar Race Today Start Time (2026)
Today’s schedule is split into two primary practice blocks to allow teams to simulate both qualifying trim (speed) and race trim (handling in traffic).
| Time Zone | Practice Session 1 Start | Practice Session 2 Start |
| Eastern (ET) | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Central (CT) | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Pacific (PT) | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| British (BST) | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Note: On-track times are subject to change based on local weather conditions. In Indianapolis, May rain can frequently shuffle these windows.
What Channel Is IndyCar On Today?
For the 2026 season, the broadcast landscape has shifted significantly with FOX becoming the primary home for the NTT IndyCar Series.
- Today’s Broadcast: Practice sessions for the Indy 500 are primarily covered on FS2 (Fox Sports 2) and FS1 (Fox Sports 1).
- Major Race Broadcasts: All 2026 points races, including the upcoming Indy 500 on May 24, will air live on the main FOX broadcast channel.
Featured Snippet Answer: Today’s IndyCar practice sessions air on FS2 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET, moving to FS1 for the late afternoon session. Full race day coverage on Sunday, May 24, will be on FOX.
How to Watch IndyCar Race Live Online
If you’ve cut the cord, you can still catch every lap of the IndyCar race live stream today through several high-speed digital options.
- FOX Sports App: This is the primary hub for all sessions. If you have a cable or satellite login, you can stream FS1 and FS2 directly to your mobile device or smart TV.
- IndyCar Live: For international fans outside of the US and selected markets, IndyCar Live offers direct streaming of practice and qualifying.
- Streaming Services: Platforms like YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV carry FOX, FS1, and FS2, allowing for seamless race-day viewing.
- IndyCar App powered by NTT DATA: While it doesn’t always provide a video stream of the race, it is the essential tool for live timing and scoring, driver radio patches, and onboard telemetry.
IndyCar Race Weekend Schedule (May 2026)
The journey to the Indycar race 500 is the most unique schedule in sports. Here is the layout for the remainder of this week and the “Fast Friday” lead-up:
- Wednesday, May 13 (Today): Practice Day 2. Focus on “Race Trim” (handling in the draft).
- Thursday, May 14: Practice Day 3. Teams begin experimenting with higher boost levels.
- Friday, May 15 (Fast Friday): The turbos are turned up! This is the fastest day of the year before qualifying.
- Saturday, May 16: Qualifying Day 1. Positions 13–30 are locked in.
- Sunday, May 17: Pole Day & Bump Day. The “Fast Six” battle for the top spot, while the last row fights to avoid being “bumped” from the field.
Starting Grid & Qualifying Results
Since we are currently in practice mode for the 500, the “Starting Grid” is not yet set. However, we can look at the momentum from the Sonsio Grand Prix (May 9, 2026) to see who is currently in top form.
Sonsio GP Top 3 Finishers:
- Christian Lundgaard (Rahal Letterman Lanigan)
- Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing)
- Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren)
Lundgaard’s victory has put the field on notice that the RLL team has found the “sweet spot” in their dampers and aero-mapping heading into the oval sessions.
IndyCar Standings Update (2026)
The championship battle is incredibly tight as we enter the double-points month of May. Consistency is the name of the game in IndyCar, where a single bad pit stop can cost 15 spots.
2026 NTT IndyCar Series Standings (As of May 13)
| Rank | Driver | Team | Points |
| 1 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | 237 |
| 2 | Kyle Kirkwood | Andretti Global | 210 |
| 3 | David Malukas | Team Penske | 185 |
| 4 | Christian Lundgaard | Rahal Letterman Lanigan | 182 |
| 5 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | 162 |
Key Drivers to Watch Today on IndyCar Race
- Scott McLaughlin: Eager to erase the memory of his 2025 Indy 500 opening-lap crash, McLaughlin was the fastest in yesterday’s opening session.
- Alex Palou: The defending series champion is looking to add an Indy 500 win to his legendary resume. His Ganassi team is historically dominant in “Race Trim.”
- Josef Newgarden: The two-time Indy 500 winner knows exactly how to tune a car for the final 20 laps. Watch his “long run” speeds today.
- Mick Schumacher: In his first 2026 IndyCar campaign, Schumacher has shown incredible pace on road courses. Today is a massive test of his comfort level with 230-mph oval walls.
Track Info: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Today’s practice takes place on the 2.5-mile rectangular oval.
- The Surface: Asphalt/brick hybrid.
- The Danger: Four distinct corners, each with a 9-degree bank. Unlike NASCAR ovals, IndyCars do not “bank” their way through the turn; the drivers have to physically turn the car while fighting massive aerodynamic downforce.
- The Speed: On “Fast Friday,” expect to see trap speeds on the front stretch exceeding 240 mph.
IndyCar Racing Explained for Beginners
If you are new to the sport, here are the three things that make IndyCar different from Formula 1 or NASCAR:
- Spec Chassis: Unlike F1, where every team builds their own car, all IndyCar teams use the Dallara DW12 chassis. This means the racing is much closer because the advantage comes from driver skill and “shock-absorber” engineering rather than a $500 million aero budget.
- Push-to-Pass: On road and street courses, drivers have a button that gives them an extra 60 horsepower for a limited amount of time. (Note: This is not used on ovals like the Indy 500 for safety reasons).
- Refueling: Unlike F1, IndyCars must refuel during the race. This introduces “fuel save” strategies where a driver might intentionally slow down to eliminate a pit stop.
Predictions for Today’s Practice
Expect the Team Penske trio (Newgarden, Power, McLaughlin) to lead the speed charts early. However, keep a close eye on the Arrow McLaren cars. Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi have been aggressive in traffic during opening sessions, signaling they have a car that can pass—which is the only thing that matters on Race Day.
Strategic Insight: Today is about “Heat Cycles.” Teams will run a set of tires for 10-15 laps, bring the car in, and let them cool. They are looking for how the car balance shifts as the tires wear down. If the car gets “loose” (the back end slides) too early, the driver will be a sitting duck during the race.
FAQ Section
What time does the IndyCar race start today?
Today is a practice day. The first session starts at 12:00 PM ET, and the second session starts at 4:00 PM ET. The actual Indy 500 race starts at 12:30 PM ET on Sunday, May 24.
What channel is IndyCar on today?
Today’s practice is on FS2 and FS1. The upcoming races are primarily on FOX.
Where can I watch IndyCar live?
You can watch live on FOX/FS1, stream via the FOX Sports App, or use a service like YouTube TV or FuboTV.
Is IndyCar free to stream online?
There is no “official” free stream, but many fans use the free trials offered by FuboTV or YouTube TV to catch specific race weekends.
How long does an IndyCar race last?
Most road/street races last about 2 hours. The Indianapolis 500 usually takes about 3 hours, depending on caution flags.
What is the difference between IndyCar and F1?
IndyCar uses a “Spec” chassis and allows refueling, leading to closer racing and more varied strategies. F1 is a “Constructor” series where teams build their own cars from scratch.
Conclusion: The Road to the Borg-Warner Trophy
The “Month of May” is unlike any other period in global sports. While today’s practice sessions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway might seem like mere data-gathering exercises to the uninitiated, they are the vital foundation upon which Indy 500 legends are built. Every lap turned today by veterans like Alex Palou or newcomers like Mick Schumacher is a high-speed negotiation with the limits of physics and the unforgiving concrete walls of the Brickyard.
With the 2026 season’s new broadcast home on FOX, following the action is more accessible than ever. Whether you are tracking live telemetry via the IndyCar App or catching the afternoon roar on FS1, today’s preparation is what makes the 200-lap showdown on May 24 possible. As the turbos get turned up and we head toward “Fast Friday,” stay tuned to the schedules and strategies—because at Indianapolis, the difference between the front row and being “bumped” out of the field is often measured in less than a millisecond.
Get ready for the roar to get louder; the journey to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is officially in high gear.
