Tuesday marks first day of Indianapolis 500 practice

INDIANAPOLIS -- IndyCar drivers will hit the track Tuesday for the first day of Indianapolis 500 practice.




Gates open at 10 a.m. at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans will get to see multiple rounds of practice.




Here's a look at Tuesday's schedule:

• 10 a.m. Gates open





• 11 a.m. Naturalization ceremony





• 12 p.m. Indianapolis 500 practice





• 2 p.m. Rookie Orientation Practice & Refresher





• 4 p.m. Indianapolis 500 practice





• 6 p.m. Gates close

Organizers said the 4 p.m. practice session could begin before 4 p.m. if the 2 p.m. session ends early. General admission tickets cost $25. Children 15 and under get in free with a paid adult ticket.




Tuesday is considered Opening Day on the official Indy 500 schedule--and practice sessions give fans a chance to familiarize themselves with IMS.




"It really is a great idea to do a 'dry run' and come out here for practice day or qualifying weekend, or even Miller Lite Carb Day and sort of get a lay of the land," said Michael Kaltenmark, senior director of marking for IMS. "This place is big! And if you've never been before, it can be intimidating."




Kaltenmark recommended going with someone who's been at the track before to make your life a little easier. Of course, fans will find plenty of helpful people around IMS.




"There are a lot of people here on Race Day who are willing to help, whether that's a staff member in a yellow shirt, a wing and wheels shirt, or even a fellow race fan," he said. "Once you're here, you're family, so if it is your first time this year, and you can't make it out before Race Day, maybe tap them on the shoulder and offer them a cold Miller Lite, and they'll help you get around."




If you can't go to the track, FS2 will provide live coverage of Tuesday's practice session from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Coverage shifts to FS1 at 4 p.m.




Other practice sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday, with qualifying this weekend.




The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is set for Sunday, May 25.



via: https://fox59.com/news/indy-500-sports/tuesday-marks-first-day-of-indianapolis-500-practice/