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2011 Indy 500 Schedule: Practice, Qualifying And Race Times For Indianapolis Motor Speedway Events

May 15, 2011, 11:00 AM UTC

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A full two weeks of racing are in store at Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the 2011 Indy 500, including plenty of practice sessions, two days of qualifying and the race itself, which is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, May 28. The run-up to the race is an event in itself, and this year the Indianapolis 500 will turn 100, with ceremonies to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the race scheduled throughout the next two weeks. Practice sessions are already underway and will continue for the next week as drivers prepare for qualifying.

Here is the full Indy 500 schedule for the next two weeks, culminating in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29.

Sunday, May 15 through Thursday, May 19: The Indy 500 schedule calls for practice sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Practices typically begin at noon

Friday, May 20: Fast Friday. The final practice session ahead of the Indianapolis 500. Fast Friday runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. as drivers and teams make final adjustments and put their best foot forward.

Saturday, May 21: Indianapolis 500 Pole Day qualifying. The pole and first 24 positions are up for grabs as drivers push for the fastest speed of the day. Qualifying begins at 11 a.m. and the fastest eight drivers from the first session return to the track at 4:30 p.m. in an effort to improve their time and seize the pole.

Sunday, May 22: Bump Day. Those that didn’t make the field on Saturday give it one more shot on Sunday, with the final spots in the Indy 500 field up for grabs.

Sunday, May 29: The 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 29. Start time is 12 p.m. at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as drivers race 500 miles in IndyCar’s biggest race.

For more on the race, stay with our 2011 Indy 500 StoryStream. Be sure to head over to Pop Off Valve for all things IndyCar, including the three excellent Indy 500 resources: The Indy 500 experience, Indy 500 traditions and the history of the Indy 500 and the Brickyard.

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