The month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is about speed, nerves and history. This weekend, INDYCAR's biggest stars will push their cars to the limit in qualifying for the 2026 Indy 500. Drivers will battle for pole position across two days of action, with speeds expected to top 230 mph.
How to Watch
- Dates: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17
- Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IN
- TV channels: FOX, FS1, FS2
- Streaming: FOX One, FOX Sports app, FOXSports.com
Qualifying Schedule
Saturday, May 16 (Day 1):
- Practice: 8:30-9:30 a.m. ET (FS2)
- Qualifying: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (FS2), 2-4 p.m. ET (FS1), 4-6 p.m. ET (FOX)
Sunday, May 17 (Day 2):
- Practice: 1-3 p.m. ET (FS2)
- Final 15: 4-5 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Top 12: 5-6:35 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Firestone Fast Six: 6:35-6:55 p.m. ET (FOX)
How Qualifying Works
Each driver gets a four-lap run; the top 15 after Saturday advance to Sunday to determine the lineup. Positions 16th-33rd lock in. If more than 33 cars enter, the slowest must re-qualify for the final three spots.
Last year, rookie Robert Shwartzman won the pole with a four-lap average speed of 232.790 mph.
The 2026 Indy 500 is set for Sunday, May 24, on FOX at 12:30 p.m. ET.