Indy 500 live stream 2020: Start time, how to watch IndyCar online for free

Indy 500 live stream
(Image credit: Clive Rose/Getty)
Indy 500 start time

The Indy 500 is about to start, beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET, and going to 6 p.m.
Coverage began on NBC at 1 p.m. ET today (Aug. 23).

Hope your Indy 500 live stream is figured out, as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing is almost here. Today (Sunday, Aug. 23), we'll see the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 take place. And just like all sports events in the U.S., the 2020 Indy 500 will be taking place in an empty arena.

Yes, while plans originally called for the event to held at 50% capacity, with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway seating have more than 100,000 paid fans in attendance (normally they take in around 275,000), they had to change plans 2 weeks after issuing that announcement.

A track press release reads: "This tough decision was made following careful consideration and extensive consultation with state and city leadership." The statement went on to note that "the COVID-19 trends in Marion County and Indiana have worsened. Since our June 26 announcement, the number of cases in Marion County has tripled while the positivity rate has doubled."

Good on the IMS. Anyways, it's really easy to watch the Indy 500 live streams online, from around the world, especially with our guide. We've even got a way to watch it all for free.

How to watch the Indy 500 live stream with a VPN

If you've had to leave your own "bubble" -- or you've been hit by a dreaded local blackout -- and you can't watch the Indy 500 live streams on cable, you're not out of luck. With a virtual private network, or VPN, you can appear to be surfing the web from your home town (or somewhere that blackouts won't hit), and access the same streaming services you already paid for. 

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service. But you've got other VPN options as well. Here are our top picks.

ExpressVPN

We think speed, security and simplicity make ExpressVPN second to none. During our tests, we saw fast connection times, and we're impressed by the service's ability to access more than 3,000 services spread out across 160 locations in 94 countries. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

Indy 500 live streams in the US are basically free

In the U.S., we're watching the Indianapolis 500 on NBC. That means the big race is super easy for anyone with one of the best TV antennas or cable. But cord-cutters should set up with fan favorite fuboTV.

We recommend fuboTV because it's on our best streaming services list for a reason, packing all the sports content you could ask for, and then some. 

fuboTV has a 7-day free trial

fuboTV has a 7-day free trial
If you love sports, you probably want to check out Fubo.TV. It's got a 7-day free trial so you don't need to pay up front, and in addition to NBC, it's also got the basic TV channels, including AMC, Food Network, USA and VH1. Plus, it's got ABC, ESPN and TNT (with NBA TV in the $5.99 fubo Extra add-on) for NBA live streams of playoff games.

Indy 500 live streams in the UK

Those in the U.K. can watch the Indianapolis 500 on  Sky Sports, and those without Sky Sports can pick it up from Now TV, with prices starting at £9.99.

Indy 500 live streams in Canada

SportsNet is the home of the Indianapolis 500 in Canada, on SN360 and SNWL.

2020 Indy 500 favorites

Right now, Scott Dixon (at 3-1) leads in the betting odds, as he's taken 3 wins and some top-five finishes in 6 IndyCar Series races. His last Indy 500 win was in 2008.

Marco Andretti is also top ranked (5-1) but his recent performances have been struggle-city. The aptly-named Will Power (8-1) is a dark horse pick, looking for his first Indy 500 while taking some high placings recently.

Indy 500 starting grid

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 1Marco AndrettiScott DixonTakuma Sato
Row 2Rinus VeeKayRyan Hunter-ReayJames Hinchcliffe
Row 3Alex PalouGraham RahalAlexander Rossi
Row 4Colton HertaMarcus EricssonSpencer Pigot
Row 5Josef NewgardenFelix RosenqvistPato O'Ward
Row 6Ed CarpenterZach VeachConor Daly
Row 7Santino FerrucciJack HarveyOliver Askew
Row 8Will PowerTony KanaanDalton Kellett
Row 9Simon PagenaudFernando AlonsoJames Davison
Row 10Helio CastronevesCharlie KimballMax Chilton
Row 11Sage KaramJR HildebrandBen Hanley
  • 1 p.m. ET: Pre-race coverage begins on NBC
  • 2:30 p.m. ET: Green Flag starts the Indianapolis 500

Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.