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Indianapolis 500 practice is officially underway this week, with qualifying coming this weekend.
However, the way they will prepare the field for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 is a little different than how it has been in previous years.
The Indy 500 has typically used a different format than any other IndyCar race and, frankly, it’s my favorite format in all of motorsports.
Practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 began Tuesday. (© Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Each car does a four-lap race, and the field is determined by the average speed over those four laps.
But, after that first race, teams can queue up to race again and can race as many times as they can before time runs out.
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Or they can bet by discarding their previous time and jumping the line.
It’s intense, especially as you approach the final minutes of the session.
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden climbs into his car for the first day of practice ahead of the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. (© Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
In early May, one of the big talking points was that the number of entries was stuck at 33. Of course, that’s a full field, but it robs us of all the drama of crash day when more than 33 cars are trying to earn a spot on the grid.
But fortunately, some small adjustments will fuel some intensity on the second day of qualifying, as there will be no obstacles.
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Typically, the 12 fastest drivers race on Sunday for a chance to advance to the Firestone Fast Six and a chance to start on the pole. This year, the nine fastest cars on the first day of qualifying will secure the Top 12, while the cars that finish the first day between 10th and 15th will compete again for the final three spots.
After the top 12 race, qualifying will continue as usual.
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Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Conor Daly prepares for the opening day of the Indianapolis 500. (© Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
I’m as bummed as anyone that we couldn’t get to at least 34 cars, but I think this is going to be great because if you get a regular run on Saturday but can still get into the top 15, you still have a chance to get the pole.
The first day of qualifying will begin on Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. ET and move from FS2 to FS1 and finally to Fox throughout the day.
