Pole position to be determined on Day 2 of qualifications.
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Winning the pole position for the Indianapolis 500 just got a little more interesting.
Or, at least a little more complicated. If you don’t think so, just try explaining it to you friend who happens to be a casual fan of the Indy 500.
NTT IndyCar Series officials have announced adjustments to qualifying on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, which sets the field for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The new format creates a made-for-TV spectacle to decide the pole position on Day 2 of the qualifying weekend featuring the top-12 cars from Day 1.
Here’s how IndyCar is spelling it out:
• After Day 1 of qualifying from noon-5:50 p.m. (ET) Saturday, May 21, Day 2 will include two rounds of qualification attempts to decide the first four rows, including pole position.
• Starting in reverse order of speeds based on Day 1, each of the top 12 drivers will have a guaranteed attempt to post a traditional four-lap qualifying time starting at 4 p.m. The fastest six will advance to the Fast Six at 5:10 p.m. to determine positions one through six and compete for the pole. The slowest six will fill out starting positions seven through 12 according to their recorded time.
• In the Firestone Fast Six, each entrant is again guaranteed one attempt and will qualify in reverse order based on their Top 12 qualification results. The fastest wins pole position, which includes a $100,000 prize, with the remaining five drivers filling out the remainder of the first two rows.
“We have an incredibly deep field heading into this year’s Indianapolis 500,” said IndyCar president Jay Frye. “The timing is right to implement a new and dramatic way to expand one of the most intense weekends on our calendar. Winning pole position for the 500 is an incredible feat, and with this new format, it will be even more challenging.”
In addition to setting the starting grid, championship points will be awarded for those who advance to the top 12 qualifying session. The Indy 500 pole winner will receive 12 points, the second fastest will receive 11, and points awarded will decrease by one-point increments down to 12th fastest (one point).
“Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend always is special,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles said “This format will give our fans even more opportunities to see IndyCar’s world-class drivers compete on racing’s biggest stage. While winning the race is the ultimate prize, capturing pole position for the 500 is one of motorsports’ most prestigious honors and almost a race within a race. I cannot wait to see this expanded format on the final Sunday before Race Day.”
A Last Chance Qualifying session for spots 31-33 is scheduled from 2-3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, May 22 if there are more than 33 entries competing for a spot in the world’s most prestigious auto race. Each entry is guaranteed one attempt and can make multiple attempts until time expires. If multiple attempts are made, previous times are withdrawn, and the fastest non-qualified car assumes the 33rd spot.
Indy 500 Qualifying Schedule
(All times ET, subject to change):
Saturday, May 21
9-10:30 a.m.: Pre-Qualifying Practice; Peacock Premium, IndyCar Radio Network
Noon-5:50 p.m.: Qualifying: Setting positions 13-33 (or 13-30 if more than 33 entries); Peacock Premium, IndyCar Radio Network
Sunday, May 22
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Last Chance Practice (If necessary); Peacock Premium, IndyCar Radio Network
12:30-2 p.m.: Top 12 Practice; Peacock Premium, IndyCar Radio Network
2-3 p.m.: Last Chance Qualifying (Positions 31-33, if necessary)’ Peacock Premium, IndyCar Radio Network
4 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Top 12 Qualifying; NBC, INDYCAR Radio Network
5:10 p.m.: Firestone Fast Six; NBC, IndyCar Radio Network
5:40 p.m.: NTT P1 Award Presentation; NBC, IndyCar Radio Network
Keyword: New Indy 500 Qualifying Format for the 106th Indianapolis 500