The Indianapolis 500, often called the “Indy 500,” is one of the most prestigious and iconic races in motorsport. For fans in the United Kingdom, following the race requires some careful time zone calculations. The start time of the Indy 500 is typically around 12:45 PM Eastern Time (ET) in the United States.
Converting this to UK time requires factoring in the time difference between the UK and the Eastern Time Zone. During the Indy 500, which usually takes place on the Sunday before Memorial Day in late May, the UK is typically observing British Summer Time (BST), which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 1 hour. The Eastern Time Zone is GMT – 4 hours. Therefore, the time difference is 5 hours.
To calculate the approximate start time in the UK, you need to add 5 hours to the Eastern Time start time. Therefore:
12:45 PM ET + 5 hours = 5:45 PM BST
So, the Indy 500 usually begins around 5:45 PM in the UK. It’s important to note that this is the *approximate* start time. Pre-race ceremonies, including the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” the invocation, and driver introductions, can add to the overall pre-race program. TV coverage often starts well before the green flag drops, allowing viewers to soak in the atmosphere and build-up to the race.
For UK viewers, the race typically lasts around three hours, sometimes longer depending on the number of caution flags and red flags. This means that the race can extend into the late evening in the UK, often finishing around 9 PM or even later if there are significant delays.
To be absolutely sure of the start time each year, UK fans should consult reliable sources like motorsport websites (such as Autosport or Motorsport.com), the official IndyCar website, or TV listings nearer the race date. These sources will provide the definitive schedule in local time. This is crucial, as the official start time can be subject to slight variations.
Following the Indy 500 from the UK requires a bit of dedication due to the time difference, but the spectacle and drama of the race make it well worth the effort for motorsport enthusiasts. Just remember to adjust your clocks and settle in for a thrilling evening of racing!