The 109th Indianapolis 500, held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was a spectacle of tradition, speed, and emotion. Broadcast for the first time by FOX, the event was more than just a race; it was a celebration of motorsport heritage and American culture, captivating an audience of hundreds of thousands at the track and millions more watching around the globe.
The opening ceremony was a carefully orchestrated blend of pomp and circumstance, designed to honor the history of the race while building anticipation for the thrilling competition to come. The day began early, with the gates opening at 6:00 AM, signaled by the traditional cannon blast and fireworks display. Eager fans, some of whom had camped out overnight, poured into the speedway, ready to witness "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Adding to the pre-race buzz, the Coors Light Snake Pit opened at 7:00 AM, offering a high-energy concert experience for fans looking to celebrate. As the morning progressed, the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy, bearing the likenesses of every Indy 500 winner, made its ceremonial march to the Yard of Bricks, allowing fans to witness a tangible piece of racing history.
The formal opening ceremony commenced around 10:00 AM, with FOX's pre-race coverage setting the stage for the main event. The Purdue University Band performed "On the Banks of the Wabash," a beloved Indiana tune. A helicopter then arrived carrying the Green Flag, symbolizing the start of the race. Former Indy 500 winners took a ceremonial lap, followed by a lap featuring historic race cars, connecting the present race with its storied past. A military appreciation lap further honored the dedication and sacrifice of the armed forces.
Driver introductions began, building excitement as each competitor was announced to the roaring crowd. Adding to the spectacle, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team descended, their precision aerial display a breathtaking sight. Ephraim Owens delivered a rendition of "America the Beautiful," followed by an invocation by Archbishop Charles Thompson. A rifle volley and "Taps" honored fallen heroes. Arturo Chacón-Cruz then sang "God Bless America," setting a patriotic tone.
One of the ceremony's most anticipated moments was Natalie Grant's performance of the National Anthem. Following the anthem, F-16 jets from the 114th Fighter Wing performed a thrilling flyover, a powerful display of American airpower. The Grand Marshal then gave the command, "Drivers to Your Cars!" Finally, Jim Cornelison delivered his traditional rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana," a song synonymous with the Indy 500. Roger Penske, the owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then gave the most famous command in racing, "Drivers, Start Your Engines!" setting the stage for the green flag. Honorary Starter Casey Irsay Foyt received the green flag from an IU Health Patient
The 109th Indianapolis 500 also marked a year of transitions and milestones. It was the first time the race was broadcast on FOX, beginning a new chapter in the event's television history. The race also featured the debut of hybrid energy recovery system powertrains, signaling a step toward the future of IndyCar racing. Veteran driver Hélio Castroneves made his 25th start, continuing his pursuit of a record-breaking fifth Indy 500 victory. Robert Shwartzman became the first rookie in 42 years to win the pole position, while Josef Newgarden aimed for a historic third consecutive win, starting from the back of the pack due to a scandal that rocked his team.
Despite a rain delay before the start, the 109th Indianapolis 500 proved to be another unforgettable chapter in the race's legendary history.
