The biggest day in racing has arrived, and it looks like the weather in Indianapolis will be quite warm for the 96th running of the Indy 500. The National Weather Service already issued a heat advisory for Central Indiana for the entire weekend that lasts until 8:00 pm EDT Sunday, and warns that record-breaking heat could be on the horizon on race day.
The hottest Indy 500 in history was a 92-degree afternoon back in 1937, so a mid 90's projection with the potential to hit triple digits is rather significant. While fans in the stands will likely be avoiding the sun at all costs as they down their alcoholic beverages, the drivers on the track will have to deal with temperatures in the 140-degree range.
As far as what the heat could impact during the race, overheated tires tend to leave more rubber on the track, which will only stand to make the it slicker and a bit more dangerous from a control standpoint. Many former drivers have mentioned how they blame the sweltering temperatures alone for their failings on race day, so it will be interesting to see what type of impact the intense heat will have on the grueling 500-lap race.
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