The month of May out at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is special. The atmosphere, the passion, and the access are unmatched. Yet it’s the traditions that stand out above the rest.
At most other sporting events, you can skip the pre-game intros. That’s not the case at the Indianapolis 500.
From the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” to Mary Hulman-George telling the drivers to start their engines, to the military flyover and the balloons being set free, the pre-race ceremonies give me chills every single time.
Ahead of the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500, I asked a few drivers what was their favorite pre-race celebration. See their responses in the video at the top of this post.
A look at what goes on before the race, from 2011:
If you have a ticket, be sure to be in your seat by 11:37 a.m. for Driver Introductions.
| 11:50 | Troops Begin Marching Into Place From North of Tower Terrace WWII Vets Walk Into Place From South Pagoda Passage |
| 11:53 | “America the Beautiful” – Danielle Bradbery |
| 11:55 | WWII Commander Inspection Speech, Pit Lane |
| 11:55 | Military Speech, General Dennis Via |
| 11:57 | “God Bless America,” Florence Henderson Red Bull Sky Divers coming in over Snake Pit – Landing on Golf Course |
| 11:59 | Invocation – Archbishop Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis |
| 12:01 | Rifle Volley Begins – Victory Podium |
| 12:02 | “Taps” Begins – Victory Podium |
| 12:04 | National Anthem Begins – Jordin Sparks |
| 12:05 | Flyover by A-10C Warthog by Indiana Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| 12:06 | “Drivers to your Cars” Command |
| 12:13 | “(Back Home Again in) Indiana” Straight No Chaser Balloon Spectacle |
| 12:15 | Command to Start Engines, Mari Hulman George, IMS Chairman of the Board |
| 12:15 | Parade Lap |
| 12:19 | Pace Laps |
| 12:21 | Green Flag – 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race |