P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The NTT IndyCar Series has outlined the qualifying procedure for this year’s Indianapolis 500, and there are a couple key changes. Qualifying remains a two-day affair, with a good portion of the field locking in positions on Saturday and pole position decided on Sunday. This year, because there are only 33 entrants and there will […]
The NTT IndyCar Series has announced the qualifying process for the upcoming Indianapolis 500, featuring some significant changes.
The two-day qualifying format will see positions for most of the field determined on Saturday, followed by the battle for pole position on Sunday.
With only 33 entrants and no bumping, a new qualification round has been introduced to the schedule.
On Saturday, drivers will have multiple attempts to secure positions 16-33 and the fastest nine spots in the Top 12 round.
Sunday will see the 10th-15th ranked drivers get one shot to move into the Top 12, with the remaining 12 drivers fighting for spots in the Firestone Fast Six round.
The final six drivers will then make their last four-lap attempt to grab pole position for the race.
With the additional “Final 15” round, the qualifying process aims to bring excitement back after the elimination of the bump session.
Qualifying sessions are scheduled for this weekend, leading up to the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 24th.
