INDIANA — The countdown to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” hit a major milestone on Tuesday, as officials with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) officially revealed the ticket design for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
With fewer than 15 weeks remaining until the green flag drops on May 24, 2026, reigning champion Alex Palou joined IMS President J. Douglas Boles at K1 Speed in Fishers to unveil the commemorative design.
This year’s ticket is more than a pass to the grandstands; it is a piece of American history. The design features a high-energy, full-color image of Palou celebrating his 109th Indy 500 victory, superimposed over an overhead shot of his No. 10 DHL Honda crossing the famed Yard of Bricks.
In a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, Palou’s image is flanked by patriotic stars and stripes in red, white, and blue. The design was crafted in-house by IMS Senior Art Director Mandy Walsh, who has led the speedway’s ticket design team for over a decade.
“I always had to sign the ticket as a driver, and I always wanted to be on the ticket,” Palou said during the reveal. “It’s amazing. I love it. It was probably the coolest day of my life, and I cannot wait to see it on a small scale all around IMS. It’s going to look good.”
The tradition of featuring the reigning champion on the following year’s ticket is one of the most coveted honors in motorsports. The practice began in 1948, when the previous year’s winner, Mauri Rose, became the first face of the Indy 500 ticket.
Palou’s inclusion on the 2026 ticket cements his place in that legacy, following a dominant 2025 season where he not only won the “500” but also secured the NTT IndyCar Series Points Championship by a historic margin, claiming victory in eight races for a grand total of 717 points. The next-closest driver was Pato O’Ward, who won two races and amassed 515 points.
The unveiling serves as a starting gun for the 2026 racing season. The NTT IndyCar Series officially kicks off this Sunday with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Fans can look forward to the following Month of May schedule at IMS:
- May 9: Sonsio Grand Prix (Road Course)
- May 16-17: Qualifying and Time Trials
- May 22: Miller Lite Carb Day & Pit Stop Challenge
- May 24: The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500
For the first time, the race will be broadcast live on FOX at 12:45 p.m. ET, following a major new broadcasting partnership between Penske Entertainment and the network.
Tickets for the 110th Running are on sale now. According to IMS, reserved seats are already in high demand following Palou’s record-breaking performance last season.
