UPDATE: Indy 500 Start Delayed For Lightning Threat, Larson Expects To Stay
The Indy 500 pre-race ceremonies and start of the race have been delayed due to storms approaching the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that could bring lightning with them.
The facility has requested that fans and team members seek shelter until it is safe to return to open spaces.
The delay puts into doubt Kyle Larson’s attempt to complete the Indy 500/Coca-Cola 600 double on Sunday.
No decision on Larson’s day has yet been made, but any delay to the start of the Indy 500 would make it difficult if not impossible for him to finish the race and travel to Charlotte in time to make the 6:22 p.m. green flag for the Coca-Cola 600.
Larson’s NASCAR team owner and Indy 500 sponsor Rick Hendrick said earlier this week that a decision on which race Larson would prioritize if the Indy 500 is delayed will be a day-of decision.
UPDATE: Kyle Larson told the Associated Press that he expects the Indy 500 to be a priority and will likely skip the Coca-Cola 600 if it looks like the Indy 500 will run on Sunday.
Larson said he was hoping the race would be a washout so that he could make the NASCAR Cup Series race today and come back for a postponed Indy 500.
Justin Allgaier is slated to fill in for Larson at the Coca-Cola 600 if he can’t make the race. Larson is allowed to swap into the car to finish, but will still need an official waiver from NASCAR to be eligible for the playoffs, which technically requires an attempt to start each race.
UPDATE: The start of the Indy 500 is now scheduled for 4:44 p.m. ET. Kyle Larson will race.
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