In order to revamp the qualifying format for the classic Indianapolis 500, the Indy Racing League management has decided that, starting next May, a new format will be included featuring a new nine-driver pole shoot-out on the first day of qualifying.
On the opening day, all entrants will have each three attempts at making the field and the top 24 drivers after the first five hours of qualifying will be guaranteed spots in the race, with positions 10 to 24 set during this time.
What is new now is that for the final 90 minutes of Pole Day, the top nine drivers from the initial five hours of qualifying will be back on track during “Bump Day” to try to obtain the pole.
Each participant will have a total of four laps to try and clinch the pole, all previous time being erased prior to that “Fast Nine” shootout.
Money incentives have also been increased as for pole will change $100,000 to $175,000, with second and third places getting $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.
Points will also be awarded for all qualifying positions, unlike the normal format of only the pole position winner get a bonus point. The top nine qualifiers will score points from 15 down to 6 for the last one.
All qualifiers between 10th and 24th get four points, with three points for each starter from 25th to 33rd.
photo:Indianapolis Motor Speedway
On the opening day, all entrants will have each three attempts at making the field and the top 24 drivers after the first five hours of qualifying will be guaranteed spots in the race, with positions 10 to 24 set during this time.
What is new now is that for the final 90 minutes of Pole Day, the top nine drivers from the initial five hours of qualifying will be back on track during “Bump Day” to try to obtain the pole.
Each participant will have a total of four laps to try and clinch the pole, all previous time being erased prior to that “Fast Nine” shootout.
Money incentives have also been increased as for pole will change $100,000 to $175,000, with second and third places getting $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.
Points will also be awarded for all qualifying positions, unlike the normal format of only the pole position winner get a bonus point. The top nine qualifiers will score points from 15 down to 6 for the last one.
All qualifiers between 10th and 24th get four points, with three points for each starter from 25th to 33rd.
photo:Indianapolis Motor Speedway