IndyCar Changes Qualification Format For 110th Indianapolis 500

BusinessSportsMoneyIndyCar Changes Qualification Format For 110th Indianapolis 500ByBruce Martin,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I have been chasing race cars since the first Michigan 500 in 1981.Follow AuthorMay 11, 2026, 03:31pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.A media mob surrounds driver Robert Shwartzman who won the pole position during the second day of qualifications for the NTT IndyCar Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesWith 33 cars entered for the 33-car starting lineup for the 110th Indianapolis 500, IndyCar has changed the qualification format for this year’s qualifications, set for May 16-17.It has replaced the “Last Change Qualifying” for the last row because that isn’t necessary without any cars to bump. Instead, it has added an additional round on Sunday to set the Top 12 that will fight it out for the Fast Six. The Fast Six will determined the Indianapolis 500 in a final round.IndyCar announced an update to the PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying with Day One scheduled for Saturday, May 16 and Day Two Sunday, May 17. Both will set the field for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It begins with Day One of qualifying from 11 a.m.-5:50 p.m. (ET), which will determine positions 16-33 for the “500.” The fastest nine cars from Day One also will be locked into the Top 12 qualifying session on Day Two earning the opportunity to advance to the Firestone Fast Six and a spot to compete for the coveted NTT P1 Award and start from pole position on Race Day. Cars ranked 10-15 on Day One will advance to the Final 15 round on Day Two and will have the opportunity to compete for the three spots remaining to fill the Top 1...