MAIN Sports Car Racing 2012 Indy 500

It's the annual speedfest featuring top drivers in high gear for one of the most popular American car racing events.

This year the Indy 500 takes place on Sunday, May 27, 2012 as the green flag is scheduled to go down around noon during a festive Memorial Day weekend.

In keeping with the summer party atmosphere, the race is traditionally preceded by the Indy 500 Festival, a month-long celebration in Indianapolis leading up to the race.

On race day, admission starts at only $20 for general entry into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with tickets having already gone on sale in late summer 2011.

On May 27, 2012 full TV coverage of the 96th running of the Indy 500 is scheduled to air on ABC Sports starting at 12 PM ET — as top drivers line up to vie for one of racing's highest honors... winner of the Indianapolis 500.

With all the hoopla surrounding the race, the day doesn't end when the last car crosses the finish line in Indy. The Indy 500 is traditionally followed by more fast-paced racing action at the Coca Cola 600 on FOX.

Indy 500 2011 Recap

The winner? It was Indy veteran Dan Wheldon who took his second Indy 500 win, beating out rookie JR Hildebrand who slammed the wall on the final turn and limped into second place.

Complete 2012 IndyCar Series schedule

March 25 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Streets of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL
April 1 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL
April 15 38th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Streets of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
April 29 São Paulo Indy 300 Streets of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
May 27 96th Indy 500 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana
June 9 Firestone Twin 275s, Texas Motor Speedway Fort Worth, TX
June 19 Milwaukee 225, Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI
June 23 Iowa Indy 250, Iowa Speedway, Newton, IA
September 15 TBA, Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA

More about the Indy 500 around the Web:

Indianapolis 500 - The official site with all the latest action, driver profiles, photo gallery, trivia, stats, schedule, track map, online shop and ticket information, plus screensavers and wallpaper, and a virtual lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, select video clips and audio interviews.

The 500 Festival - The month-long celebration culminating in the big parade and mini-marathon Labor Day weekend. Includes ticket info, event calendar, details on volunteering for events, news on street closings, FAQ, and related travel links and resources.

IndyStar.com - The online edition of the Indianapolis Star with feature stories, special coverage of the Indy 500 with a row by row lineup, track overview, an Indy wrap up, year by year history recaps, and lots more.

Indy Racing League - Close up look at the top drivers with photos, stats and standings, plus Indy wallpaper, online games, feature stories plus video and audio clips.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Where it all takes place, and offering the latest photos, feature stories, rookie quotes, event happenings, online ticket purchase and more on the Grand Prix and the Brickyard 400 races, the Hall of Fame Museum and tour information.

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