IndyCar Makes Decision on Alexander Rossi's Indianapolis 500 Status
Alexander Rossi is cleared to race the Indianapolis 500. Earlier today, Ed Carpenter was optimistic that Rossi would be cleared for Carb Day. Just a short time later, Rossi receives the news from IndyCar that he is good to go, for Friday's session and Sunday's Indianapolis 500.
Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported the news first. Rossi was the one to deliver the new to the media. Rossi and his team have kept an optimistic tone all week. The wreck was a scary moment, and a reminder of how dangerous the Indianapolis 500 and preparing for it can be. Thankfully, Rossi is going to be able to race on Sunday.
NEWS: He's in!
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 21, 2026
Alexander Rossi has been cleared to compete in Sunday's Indianapolis 500. pic.twitter.com/Rnpo2TKucd
Alexander Rossi has tasted victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before. His Indy 500 win in 2016 happened a decade ago now. Starting on the front row, Rossi has a real chance to claim a second win in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
It was very concerning to watch the wreck on Monday. Then to hear that he was having surgery, albeit outpatient, made many wonder if he was going to be able to race. Not that his desire wouldn't be there, but whether or not he would medically be okay to suit up.
With a few days until race day, Alexander Rossi and his Ed Carpenter Racing team get the good news. He will compete on Friday and Sunday. Friday's session is up in the air due to potential rain. But if Mother Nature cooperates, he will be on the track just days after having surgery.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 4:13 PM.