Weather could play a role in the 2007 Indianapolis 500. Race morning has dawned wet and humid and local radar shows even more moisture is on its way to the track.

Forecasts indicate scattered showers are possible throughout the day, a prediction similar to Saturday where a quick shower moved the public driver's meeting underneath the Pagoda instead of pit lane. Fans were forced to take cover under the main straight stands as they listened to Brian Barnhart give the field of 33 their final instructions.

“Most importantly, lets take care of each other and lets have a fast, clean race,” concluded Barnhart after also admonishing all of the drivers to mind both their lines and their mirrors.

Despite the quick shower on Saturday, the track dried on it's own a short time later, and had that have been race day, the event could have been run to it's entirety. On Sunday, the Public Address system has been playing rain related pop songs as thousands of fans pour into the facility in spite of the falling moisture. It would take just 101 of the 200 scheduled laps being completed to declare the race official - though IRL officials have indicated they will only start the race if it is believed the full event could be run.

Activity at IMS has proceeded according to plan so far today, despite the early showers. Drivers and crew members are gathered in their motor coaches, suites and garages watching the Monaco Grand Prix which began at 8:00am Indianapolis time.

Others are attending church services where they are likely praying for not only a good result, but also the mere chance to race today.

The race has been run on the originally scheduled date since 1997 when it was delayed from Sunday to Tuesday by constant rain.

Buddy Rice won the last rain shortened event in 2004, crossing the line as precipitation cut the race to 180 laps. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes immediately moved into the area at about the same time, forcing speedway officials to issue evacuation orders to the remaining spectators.

Storms of that nature are not expected today, though almost anything is possible during May - especially at Indy.

ORS / CAPSIS International