LIVE: Pre-race coverage for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS -- Today is the day. 




Starting this morning, around 350,000 from all around the world will descend on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the "greatest spectacle in racing:" the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. 




Over the last few months, central Indiana has been preparing for this year's race. The Indy 500 will air live in the region after all reserved seats in the speedway, including the grandstands and suites, sold out. Traditionally, the race has been blacked out in the local TV market in the case of a non-sellout.




This comes after Indianapolis has seen Indy 500-related festivities throughout the weekend, including Carb Day on Friday and the AES 500 Festival Parade and Legends Day festivities on Saturday. 




Today, gates to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are expected to open at 6 a.m. for the annual race. Several events will occur before the race even begins, including live music from the Snake Pit beginning at 8 a.m. 




At 9 a.m., the cars will be driven to the pit lane and the cars are expected to grid on the front stretch starting at 10:30 a.m. As for the race itself, the driver introductions are expected to begin at 11:47 a.m., the national anthem is expected to be performed at 12:20 p.m. and the famed "Drivers, start your engines!" call is expected at 12:38 p.m. 




However, eyes will be on the skies this morning to make sure that the weather will not impact the race. According to a FOX59/CBS4 forecast, temperatures are expected be sitting in the lower 50's with cloudy skies when the gates open on Sunday morning. As for rain, there continue to be chances south of Indianapolis and central Indiana. The dry air is expected to evaporate any rain showers before they reach the ground.




You can watch FOX59's pre-race coverage from 5-10 a.m. in the video player above. This story will also be updated frequently with updates surrounding the race. 




Starting at 10 a.m., FOX Sports will begin providing live coverage of pre-race festivities before the race officially starts at 12:45 p.m. eastern time and will air live FOX stations. A replay of the race will also be televised at 7 p.m. eastern time Sunday in the Indianapolis market.





via: https://fox59.com/news/indy-500-sports/live-pre-race-coverage-for-the-109th-running-of-the-indianapolis-500/