Indy 500 changing its start time

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- The Indianapolis 500 next year will begin at noon, local time, instead of an hour earlier as it historically has.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George said it was only the second time change in the 88-year-old race's history, the Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday.

Besides the new start time, other changes being prepared for next year include moving Carburetion Day to the Friday before the race from its traditional Thursday.

That event includes the race's final practice and the pit stop contest.