What should you wear to the Indianapolis 500?

Summer casual is the vibe when headed for the stands.

Traditionally, many have taken to the track in their best checkered flag or stars and stripes motifs.

We spoke with the good people at Good Neighbor, the 850 Mass Ave. clothing boutique for tips on dressing for the May 26 spectacle.

Jorts at the Indy 500: The most amazing ones from the 2016 race day

For the ladies, store manager Lillian Willis recommends the classics.

Denim shorts are a hot item

The store likes to stock Levi’s that hit mid-thigh to appeal to a broad range of customers, she said. 

Opt for overalls

Check them out in either pants or shorts.

Top with tanks

The bra-friendly tank tops, in square or scoop necks, work well with their shorts or overalls, Willis said.

Cool socks

Retro striped tube socks can bring fun to an outfit, Willis said. Good Neighbor has two-toned pairs, one white with black stripes, and another white with red stripes.

Comfy shoes

Think a fashion sneaker along the lines of the Gola Women’s Badminton Plimsoll.

Indy 500 fashion: See the jacket designed for the race winner

Skip the purse

A nylon crossbody bag is more sporty alternative to a weighty purse.

What’s the bag size limit for the Indianapolis 500?

Bags and coolers larger than 18”x14”x14” in size are not allowed in the facility. Each person is allowed one bag and one cooler.

IMS policies: Here’s what fans are allowed to bring into the Indy 500, and what to leave at home

Basic T-shirts

For the fellas, T-shirts and shirts are the go-to combination, Willis said.

Keep them classy. No offensive or obscene clothing, signs or flags are allowed. 

Consider linen-blend shorts

They’re a lightweight and fashionable choice, Willis said.

Of course, attendees need to consider the weather when dressing for the day.

What’s the weather forecast for the Indy 500?

Expect showers and thunderstorms and a high near 79 degrees, says the National Weather Service.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Frederick Douglass Park Family Center, newly renovated as part of the Circle City Forward project, Thursday opened its doors to the public

The park, the latest addition to the Indy Parks system, boasts a range of additions, including a new playground, an indoor track, and two basketball courts.

Originally established in 1921, the park’s revival marks a milestone in the city’s efforts to revitalize its recreational spaces. The $45 million Circle City Forward initiative, aimed at enhancing Indy Parks facilities, facilitated the transformation of the once-segregated park into a symbol of unity and progress.

“Once a segregated park in its founding, today it has been transformed into a beacon of hope and unity for our city,” said Ron Gibson, a member of the Indianapolis City-County Council, said in a news release. “This park is not just a recreational space. It symbolizes our collective progress and commitment to create a vision for more equitable neighborhoods.”

Of the $45 million investment, $20 million was allocated specifically to Frederick Douglass Park.

The park is on East 25th Street a few blocks east of Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue.

With the possible exception of Daytona Beach, Fla., no city in the United States is more synonymous with auto racing than Indianapolis.

Since 1911, the capital of Indiana has been home to the self-described “greatest spectacle in racing.” The Indianapolis 500 has persevered through wars, pandemics, economic downturns and a slew of American open-wheel racing reorganizations to remain a stalwart of the sports calendar.

With this year’s race scheduled for Sunday, let’s take a look at some of the competition’s most durable superlatives—followed by a table of every winner since the earliest days of the sport. Grab a bottle of milk.

That would be Al Unser in 1987, five days shy of his 48th birthday. His brother Bobby in 1981 is second, also at the age of 47.

22-year-old Troy Ruttman in 1952.

Ray Harroun in 1911.

Josef Newgarden won the race in 2023.

A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967 and 1977), Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978 and 1987), Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988 and 1991) and Hélio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021) all won the race four times.

And now, the big table: Enjoy all the winners of Indianapolis’s day in the sun from 1911 to the present. Note that the race was not held from 1917 to ’18 due to World War I and 1942 to ’45 due to World War II. Note also two instances (1924 and 1941) of a relief driver taking over during the race, thus ensuring two drivers would be credited as winners.