Indy 500 qualifying 2017: Start time, TV schedule for Saturday

The Indianapolis 500 is just a week away. However, for the drivers who want to participate in the big race, they must advance past the qualifying round. This round begins at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 20, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway. You can watch the event on ABC at 4 p.m. If you choose to watch the qualifying round online, you can do so on WatchESPN or IndyCar Race Control.

After the gates open to the public at 7 a.m., The IndyCar Series Group 1 practice will start at 8 a.m., and Group 2’s practice will kick off at 9 a.m. The Verizon IndyCar Series Qualifications commence at 11 a.m. and last until 5:50 p.m. Positions 1-9 will advance to the Fast 9.

Alexander Rossi, 25, won the big race in 2016 as a 24-year-old rookie, and he is a participant in this year’s qualifying round. Drivers like Scott Dixon, Will Power, Simon Pagenaud, and many more will also compete in the qualifier.

Fernando Alonso, 35, never participated in the Indianapolis 500, but he is a contestant this year. On Monday, he finished 20 laps in his first practice, according to foxsports.com. Alonso’s 223.025 fast lap was the 19th-best on the opening day speed chart.

“Today, I was happier, I felt better in the car,” Alonso said. “So yeah, definitely a much better day, a much better feeling. I was able to drive the car or start driving the car today. Still a long way for me to work and to learn, but definitely, I feel like I took some good steps today.”

The qualifying round should be an exciting event that you do not want to miss.

Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Date: Sat., May 20
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: ABC, 4 p.m.
Online: WatchESPN, IndyCar Race Control

All times listed in Eastern