Fast Friday Schedule: Indy 500 Practice and Qualifying Draw Info

It is officially Fast Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This Friday, May 15, marks one of the most thrilling and nerve-wracking days of the month for drivers and engineers alike as the boost is turned up for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Teams will get their final high-boost, full-field practice session to simulate raw qualifying speeds before the weekend time trials. Once the track goes quiet, the tension shifts to Pagoda Plaza for the critical qualification order drawing, which can drastically impact a driver’s weekend strategy based on early-morning track temperatures.

Friday Track Schedule

Expect pure speed from noon until the final gun, followed immediately by the lottery that sets the stage for the weekend.

• 10 a.m.: Public Gates Open
• UPDATED – 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Practice (All Cars)
• UPDATED – 7:15 p.m.: Qualification Order Drawing (Pagoda Plaza)

Due to early-day rain, the practice session will go until 7 p.m.

Tickets and Track Access

General Admission tickets for Fast Friday are $25. As with earlier practice days, a GA ticket gives you total flexibility to roam between the infield viewing mounds and select first-come, first-served grandstands. Finding a seat near Turn 1 or Turn 3 is highly recommended to truly appreciate the increased speed.

• Family Value: Children 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Gate Openings and Key Parking Changes

Take note of a few parking modifications for Friday, as some nearby lots transition to paid parking ahead of the weekend crowds:

• Public Gates: Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 6S, 7, 7S, 10, and 10A are open.
• Paid Parking ($10): Available in Lot 2, Lot 3P, and the Main Gate lot. Paid ADA parking is also available in Lot 2 and Lot 3P.
• Free Parking: Free public parking remains available in the IMS Infield and Lot 7 (North 40), accessible only via Gate 10 from 30th Street.
• Free Specialty Parking: Free motorcycle parking is located in the South Carousel Lot. Free ADA-accessible parking is available in the West Museum and Flag lots.

Cashless Venue Guidelines

Indianapolis Motor Speedway operates as a cashless facility. Ensure you have a credit card, debit card, or a tap-to-pay device ready for tickets, parking, credentials, merchandise, and concessions. If you prefer to use paper money, stop by the Cash-to-Card machine in Pagoda Plaza to transfer cash onto a temporary debit card.

IMS Museum

The IMS Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors (55+), and $18 for military personnel. Tickets are available at the door or online at imsmuseum.org.