How to Watch 2026 Indy 500 Qualifying: Schedule, Streaming, and Format

Drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES are competing this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to secure a starting position in the 2026 Indy 500. The qualifying process, spanning two days of high-speed runs, determines the grid for the upcoming race, with teams aiming for speeds expected to exceed 230 mph.

The road to the starting grid began with practice sessions held from Tuesday, May 12, through Friday, May 15, 2026. Following the conclusion of practice on May 15, a draw was conducted to establish the qualifying order for the first day of competition.

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, drivers execute four-lap runs based on the order determined by the qualifying draw. While drivers are not required to post a time, they typically do so to establish their initial speed. Qualifying for the first day concludes at 5:50 p.m. ET.

To maintain the efficiency of the event, INDYCAR utilizes a system of priority and secondary lines. Drivers in the priority line are permitted to enter the track before those in the secondary line. To prevent drivers from intentionally running slow laps to block competitors from entering the track, INDYCAR officials have the authority to force a driver to end their run if their pace is slower than a previously posted time they have not withdrawn.

The results from Saturday, May 16, divide the field into two groups. The top 15 drivers advance to Sunday, May 17, 2026, to compete for the pole position and determine the front of the lineup. Drivers who qualify between 16th and 33rd positions will start the race in that specific order.

In scenarios where more than 33 cars enter the event, the drivers ranking 31st or worse must re-qualify on Sunday, May 17, to determine who will take the final three spots on the starting grid.

The pursuit of the pole position follows a high benchmark set during the previous year’s event. Rookie Robert Shwartzman won the pole for the 2025 Indianapolis 500, achieving a four-lap average speed of 232.790 mph.

The 2026 Indy 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be broadcast on FOX and will be available for streaming on FOX One.

Television coverage for the race begins at 10 a.m. ET on May 24, with the green flag scheduled to drop at 12:30 p.m. ET.