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Carb Day revs up the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every last Friday before the iconic Indy 500 race. What began as a final practice session for carbureted cars has evolved into a massive celebration featuring live concerts and spirited tailgates. Join thousands of fans for a day of speed, music, and pre-race excitement.
Want to sponsor Carb Day? Learn how
History of Carb Day
“Carburetion Day” has enjoyed immense popularity as “Carb Day” since 2000. Along with the final practice session, the day also hosts a pit stop contest, a support race, and a concert. Before the mid-1950s, Carb Day was closed to the public. Now it forms an integral part of the month-long run-up to the Indy 500. Carb Day was never set on a fixed date, but in 1969, it was held on the Wednesday before the race. Then it was moved to the Thursday before race day. Currently, Carb Day falls on the Friday before the race itself.
The Pit Stop Challenge and the Indy Lights Freedom 100 are held during the activities leading up to the Indianapolis 500. The Pit Stop Challenge debuted in 1977. This is one of the cornerstone events at Carb Day offering a chance for pit stop crew members to shine. Although it is basically a fun event, it is taken very seriously by the crews. The Indy Lights Freedom 100 automobile race is the support race for the main event. The first race was held only once in 1979 and was not on Carb Day.
The race was officially added to the event calendar in 2003 and was held on the second weekend of the time trials. This date proved to be unpopular because attendance was low. In 2005, the Indy Lights Freedom 100 automobile race was moved to Carb Day. Concerts have been a major drawcard since the 1990s featuring live concerts. In 2005, the concerts were held right at the track itself instead of downtown. These Carb Day concerts typically feature rock singers and groups, among them, Rick Springfield, REO Speedwagon, and Styx.
Carb Day timeline
The lotus cars of Jim Clark and Dan Gurney are the last to use carburetors.
Carb Day takes place on the Wednesday before the race.
The U.S. Auto Club schedules a support race.
The Indy Pro Series is added to the calendar of events.
Carb Day FAQs
When is Carb Day?
In 2027, Carb Day will be held on Friday, May 28, marking the thrilling kickoff to the Memorial Day weekend’s racing festivities.
What happens on Carb Day?
On Carb Day, fans can witness the last chance for Indy 500 teams to fine-tune their cars, enjoy fierce competition in support races, and experience a lively concert. The day is packed with entertainment, building anticipation for the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’
How many people attend Carb Day?
The attendance for Carb Day often exceeds 50,000 spectators, making it a major draw in its own right. Its blend of racing action and live music ensures a vibrant and well-attended celebration each year.
Why is it called Carb Day if cars don't use carburetors?
Despite the absence of carburetors in contemporary Indy 500 cars, the term ‘Carb Day’ persists as a nod to the event’s rich history. It’s a testament to the enduring traditions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its fans, even as technology evolves.
Carb Day Activities
Attend Carb Day
Grab your tickets and attend Carb Day. Nothing beats personally witnessing cars racing and competing at the track.
Host a Carb Day party
Invite your friends and watch the Carb Day events together. While on the sidelines, laugh together and cheer your favorite teams on.
Go racing
Go go-cart racing with your friends. You may choose an electric go-cart track inside malls or an outdoor racing facility.
5 Facts About The Indy 500
The speedway is a historic site
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which covers 253 acres, is a National Historic Landmark.
The winner drinks milk
The winner has to drink a pint of milk at the end of the race.
The youngest winner was 22
Troy Ruttman was the youngest winner in 1952.
A celebrity drives the pace car
The pace car, traditionally driven by a celebrity, leads the vehicles along the track at the beginning of the race.
Cars are gassed up quickly
The pit stops crews work fast taking only six seconds to fill a car with gas.
Why We Love Carb Day
It showcases a big sporting event
Thousands of people attend Carb Day and the days that follow the Indy 500. It’s one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
It’s a day for intense excitement
It’s a time for fast cars, races, and pit crews. We love the excitement that gives us an adrenaline rush.
We love music and rock concerts
Carb Day caters not only to racing enthusiasts and fans. It’s also a day for lovers of music and live concerts.
