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The Callahan Report from Indianapolis, May 25

25 May 1997

INDIANAPOLIS (10:00 AM): After a month of near dry weather, the skies have opened over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, causing a delay in the start of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. There is still an annoying spitting rain with less than an hour till the scheduled start. The race will be delayed.

The pre race festivities are continuing in the drizzle. There are thousands of soggy marching band uniforms. The six jet dryers are fired up, trying to stay even with the moisture.

The experienced Indy racing fan is taking it all in stride. One driver is not. Robby Gordon is watching the clock. Gordon is planning to run in the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 later this evening after running here in Indianapolis. If there is a total washout today, Gordon will be able to make the NASCAR race in Charlotte. Track officials will call the race off by 2:30 if it is still raining. If the rains have stopped however, Gordon will be forced to wait until the race is officially postponed or the green flag drops. Under perfect conditions, the timetable for Gordon was tight. Gordon says the race must start by 12:30 in order for him to have time to make the race in the South. Since the start is already delayed, Gordon is praying for rain. NASCAR driver Greg Sacks is standing by.

The last time the race was declared a wash out was eleven years ago. The rains continued for two days in 1986. The race was pushed back to the following weekend. The forecast for tomorrow also includes a 40% chance of rain.

Rain Delays The Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS (1:30 PM): The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced the 81st Indy 500 will be ran on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Rain in the Indianapolis area forced the announcement at 1:30 PM local time.

Terry Callahan -- The Auto Channel