The last complete postponement of the Race was in 1997. The rain remained the next day, and the race was stopped after just 15 laps Monday. They finally finished Tuesday.
There have been two bad weather Race Days so far this century.
In 2004 the start was delayed about two hours by morning rain. They ran 27 laps, and then rain forced another delay. Severe weather moved into the area and the race was called after 180 laps. There was a tornado warning that included the Speedway, and an F2 tornado on the city’s southeast side did some serious damage. The victory celebration had to be moved inside because of lightning fears. That day the Airport measured 3.8 inches of rain. That the biggest official Indy total ever on a Race Day.
In 2007 rain caused the race to be stopped on lap 113 for several hours. They re-started, but more rain caused the race to be called on lap 166.
In 2013 there was rain two counties to the west of the track by the end of the race, but the race finished fine. In 2015 there were brief showers to the north and east, but again: nothing at the track.
WAY BACK
Remember 1997? Poured on Sunday, delayed to Monday, finally completed Tuesday…
In 1986 it rained for two days straight. They ran it the following weekend…
Rain in 1976 led to the shortest race ever: 102 laps…
The 1973 race was horrible for many reasons, including the weather. The scheduled race day (a Monday) was delayed for hours. It wasn’t completed until Wednesday, when rain stopped it after 133 laps…
RECENT RACE DAY HIGHS:
85 in 2015
79 in 2014
68 in 2013
91 in 2012
88 in 2011
89 in 2010
86 in 2009
There was a toasty trend from 2009-2012, finishing with a tie for the second warmest Race Day ever. The high of 91 in 2012 tied with 1953 and 1919.
The coolest stretch of years ended about a decade ago. SIX of the top 12 coolest Race Days occurred between 1992 and 2003, including back-to-back Race Days in the 60s in 2000/2001.
