.... continues with popular schedule format
The 90th Indianapolis 500 will continue with the schedule format introduced in 2005 that proved popular with fans and competitors, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials announced Nov. 17.
The race is scheduled Sunday, May 28, 2006. Opening Day is scheduled for Sunday, May 7, with a full three weeks of activity during the traditional Month of May at the Speedway.
“Changes that we introduced to the 2005 schedule helped to create one of the most memorable months of May in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history,” said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. “Fans and competitors were
very enthusiastic about the new format, so it makes sense to maintain a similar schedule for 2006 as we celebrate the 90th running of the 500-Mile Race.”
Schedule changes introduced in May 2005 for the event, culminating in Dan Wheldon’s thrilling duel with rookie Danica Patrick for victory, that will continue for the historic 90th running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” include:
•Rookie Orientation Program taking place the first two days of practice, Sunday, May 7 and Monday, May 8.
•Practice days with on-track activity taking place from noon-6 p.m. each day except for May 7-8.
•A four-day qualifying format that produces bumping on each day of qualifying. MBNA Pole Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, with Second Day Qualifying on Sunday, May 14, Third Day Qualifying on Saturday, May 20 and Bump Day Qualifying on Sunday, May 21.
•Miller Lite Carb Day taking place Friday, May 26. The popular day, which includes the final Indianapolis 500 practice, the Checkers Rally’s Pit Stop Challenge, the Freedom 100 Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ race and the Miller Lite concert, moved from Thursday to Friday of race week last year with great success.
•A start time of noon (local time) on Race Day.
A variety of special fan-oriented activities during the month of May to honor the 90th running of the most prestigious auto race in the world will be announced in the future.
Tickets for the 90th Indianapolis 500 will go on sale to the general public Friday, Nov. 18, with Race Day prices starting at just $20.
All fans can order tickets online at indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the
IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.
Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST) Monday-Friday, while online orders can be made at any time.
90th INDIANAPOLIS 500 EVENT SCHEDULE (All times local, subject to change)
Date/Activity/Time
Sunday, May 7, 2006
Opening Day – Rookie Orientation Program
Noon-5 p.m.
Monday, May 8
Rookie Orientation Program
Noon-5 p.m.
Tuesday, May 9-Thursday, May 11
Practice (All drivers)
Noon-6 p.m.
Friday, May 12
Fast Friday practice (All drivers)
Noon-6 p.m.
Saturday, May 13
MBNA Pole Day
Noon-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 14
Second Day Qualifying
Noon-6 p.m.
Monday, May 15-Tuesday, May 16
No Track Activity
Wednesday, May 17-Friday, May 19
Practice (All drivers)
Noon- 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 20
Third Day Qualifying
Noon-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 21
Bump Day Qualifying
Noon-6 p.m.
Monday, May 22-Tuesday, May 23
No Track Activity
Wednesday, May 24
Community Day
Thursday, May 25
Freedom 100 Practice, Qualifying
Noon-5 p.m.
Friday, May 26
Miller Lite Carb Day (Indianapolis 500 practice, Freedom 100, Checkers/Rally’s Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge, Miller Lite
Carb Day Concert)
All Day
Saturday, May 27
Public Drivers’ Meeting
11 a.m.
Sunday, May 28
90th Indianapolis 500
Noon
