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It is an early morning in Speedway. As the sun climbs into the sky, fireworks and a cannon boom signal to racing fans that they can shuffle into Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Race day has begun.

Fireworks signal the beginning of race day May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

The energy cranks into high gear while “Back Home Again in Indiana” rings across the track and racers take their starting positions. Watching the 500-mile race, attendees party and chant in an almost patriotic fashion.

Take a peek into the world of race day culture.

Felix Rosenqvist celebrates winning the race on May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Pierre Perrault, a junior mellophone player, dances while relaxing with members of The Speedway 500 Regiment Band, of Speedway High School, on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Jake Gillette has his suit sleeves cut while dancing in the Snake Pit on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Concertgoers dance in the Snake Pit on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

A racing fan catches a cheese ball in his mouth while walking through turn three on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Military helicopters fly over the crowd in turn four while escorting the IndyCar drivers on a pace lap on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Stuart Funke plays hacky sack with other race day workers on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, gives an autograph on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Reenactment members march on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Collin Stonebreaker throws a football back across the street on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Fans cheer as the race begins on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Rev. Joseph Feltz of St. Christopher in Indianapolis gives the Holy Communion during a Sunday mass service with IndyCar Ministry on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Jim Baxter of Zionsville says a prayer during an IndyCar Ministry Sunday mass on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

IndyCar drivers make their way back onto the track after a red flag halted the race on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Musical artist it’s murph (left) shouts alongside IndyCar driver Conor Daly at the Snake Pit on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

A racing fan watches as drivers compete in the final lap on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Brian Johnson and his son Connor watch the track after a crash on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Frances Anderson (in blue) and Rebekah Kinworthy kiss the bricks outside of the IMS Pagoda on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Racing fans celebrate Pato O’Ward on May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Racing fans celebrate Felix Rosenqvist’s win on May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Racing fans leave the track May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Brett Phelps is a community photojournalist for Mirror Indy in partnership with Report for America and Catchlight Local. Contact Brett by email brett.phelps@mirrorindy.org.

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Sights from the greatest spectacle in racing

by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy
May 24, 2026

<h1>Sights from the greatest spectacle in racing</h1>
<p class="byline">by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy <br />May 24, 2026</p>

<p>It is an early morning in Speedway. As the sun climbs into the sky, fireworks and a cannon boom signal to racing fans that they can shuffle into Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Race day has begun.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82607" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fireworks signal the beginning of race day May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The energy cranks into high gear while “Back Home Again in Indiana” rings across the track and racers take their starting positions. Watching the 500-mile race, attendees party and chant in an almost patriotic fashion.</p>
<p>Take a peek into the world of race day culture.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_39.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82608" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Felix Rosenqvist celebrates winning the race on May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_14B.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82609" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pierre Perrault, a junior mellophone player, dances while relaxing with members of The Speedway 500 Regiment Band, of Speedway High School, on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_22.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82610" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jake Gillette has his suit sleeves cut while dancing in the Snake Pit on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_27.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82611" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Concertgoers dance in the Snake Pit on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_29.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82612" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A racing fan catches a cheese ball in his mouth while walking through turn three on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_19.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82613" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Military helicopters fly over the crowd in turn four while escorting the IndyCar drivers on a pace lap on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_08.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82614" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stuart Funke plays hacky sack with other race day workers on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_36.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82615" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, gives an autograph on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82616" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reenactment members march on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_09.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82617" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Collin Stonebreaker throws a football back across the street on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_30.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82618" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fans cheer as the race begins on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_06.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82619" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rev. Joseph Feltz of St. Christopher in Indianapolis gives the Holy Communion during a Sunday mass service with IndyCar Ministry on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82620" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jim Baxter of Zionsville says a prayer during an IndyCar Ministry Sunday mass on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_33.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82621" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IndyCar drivers make their way back onto the track after a red flag halted the race on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_16.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82622" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Musical artist it's murph (left) shouts alongside IndyCar driver Conor Daly at the Snake Pit on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_15.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82623" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Concertgoers dance in the Snake Pit on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_38.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82624" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A racing fan watches as drivers compete in the final lap on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_34.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82625" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Johnson and his son Connor watch the track after a crash on May 24, 2026, during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_07.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82626" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Frances Anderson (in blue) and Rebekah Kinworthy kiss the bricks outside of the IMS Pagoda on May 24, 2026, before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_41.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82627" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Racing fans celebrate Pato O'Ward on May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_40.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82628" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Racing fans celebrate Felix Rosenqvist’s win on May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260524_Indy500_BP_43.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82629" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Racing fans leave the track May 24, 2026, after the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.</figcaption></figure>
<p>This &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mirrorindy.org/2026-indy-500-photos/&quot;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; first appeared on &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mirrorindy.org&quot;&gt;Mirror Indy&lt;/a&gt; and is republished here under a &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/&quot;&gt;Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;img src=&quot;https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-Mirror-Indy-square-logo-1.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;amp;ssl=1&quot; style=&quot;width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;&quot;&gt;</p>
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