34 confirmed drivers now shooting for 33 spots source: irl.racing-live.com - ORS / CAPSIS International With the confirmation of PJ Jones in the second Team Leader Motorsports entry there are now 33 solidly confirmed driver/team combinations for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500. Add in the fact that Davey Hamilton and Max Pappis both have what should enough sponsorship to secure a ride, with Eddie Cheever having one for sale, and "Bump Day" 2006 should have real meaning. Just thirty-three spots are available and with rumors swirling of other potential entries for drivers like Jimmy Kite, Tomas Enge and Roger Yasukawa, bumping is almost certain to return to Indy. While the final day of qualifying has been known as "Bump Day" for over a half century, the past few years it was more of a "Deal Day" to fill the field of 33. The low point was probably 2003 when late in the month, Airton Dare was added to the Foyt team, Robby McGehee was called in to drive a third Panther entry, and Richie Hearn hopped into a Sam Schmidt car obtained from Penske Racing. The final qualifier that day was actually Vitor Meira in a Menard entry that was a bit more of a planned ride. Once Meira completed his qualifying run at 4:04pm, the track would open for regular practice and there would be no further qualifying attempts - "Bump Day" had become "Fill the Field Day." This was made even more embarrassing to the Speedway as ABC TV was there live to broadcast qualifying attempts and drama that would never happen. 2004 was only slightly more interesting. McGehee was again called in late - this time by PDM Racing, and with limited time in a car they borrowed from Robby Gordon, he got into the field and onto what should have been the "Bubble." With most of the garage understanding that there would only be 33 qualifiers; the team took what in most years would have been a questionable time.
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