Qualifications Format Explained
The Open-Wheels 500 presented by Mitchell Transmissions will utilize a traditional two-day format to determine the field of 33 drivers that will compete in this year’s race.
On Saturday, November 7, drivers will take their first attempt to qualify for the race as part of the initial qualifications draw. Once the initial order has seen each eligible driver have an opportunity to make their first qualifications attempt, the track will be open for additional qualifications attempts on a first-come, first-served basis.
A byproduct of the number of entries submitted for this year’s race, qualifications “bumping” will begin during the initial qualifications draw – once the 34th competitor sets a qualifications time. Competitors will have a maximum of three opportunities to set qualifications attempts – though each new attempt will require the entrant to withdraw their previous time.
At the conclusion of day one qualifications, the fastest driver of the day will win the Pit Lane Parley Pole Award and be locked in to his or her starting position for the November 15 race.
For day two of qualifications, the track will be open on a first-come, first-served basis once again. Drivers improving on their times from day one are eligible to bump their way into the field of fastest 33 drivers, but drivers inside the top 33 that set new times on day two will line up behind drivers who are inside the top 33 with day one times – as is tradition at Indianapolis.
Always remember – the fastest 33 qualifications times will make the race, regardless of the day that they qualify. At the end of qualifications on Sunday, November 8, the field of 33 will be set – along with the three alternate drivers that will be on standby in case one of the original qualifiers is unable to compete in the race.
LINK TO QUALIFICATIONS TIMING AND SCORING
Click here to visit the timing and scoring portal for Open-Wheels 500 Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Pole Day – Saturday, November 7 on Open-Wheels TV unless otherwise noted
6:00 to 10:00 AM | Group 1 Qualifications
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Group 2 Qualifications
3:00 to 5:00 PM | Open Qualifications
5:00 to 5:50 PM | Final Hour Qualifications (RaceSpot TV)
6:15 PM | Pole Winner Press Conference
6:30 PM | Secondary Feature Story Press Conference
Bump Day – Sunday, November 8 on Open-Wheels TV unless otherwise noted
6:00 to 5:00 PM | Open Qualifications
5:00 to 5:50 PM | Final Hour Qualifications (RaceSpot TV)
6:15 PM | Feature Story Press Conference