Qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 have provided some of the greatest moments in motor sports history.
This year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway could be one that adds to that history based on format changes that have been implemented in an attempt to add both excitement and competition over a two-day period.
To get things started, qualifications will begin on May 17 at 11 a.m. and continue through 5:50 p.m. to compose the field of 33. Note I said field of 33 but not the starting positions. On May 18, all times will be erased and starting positions 10 through 33 will be determined with each entrant again running four laps from 10:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
The fastest nine from day one will begin the quest for the pole and positions two through nine will take to the track at 2 p.m. and run through 2:45 p.m. While it may seem cumbersome to the casual racing fan, it was designed to cover a weekend of track activity and hopefully produce some drama that will in turn renew interest in the qualifying for the race, as well as create some good television for those watching the national coverage provided by ABC Sports.
Notes: While this format is different, the usual suspects more than likely will occupy the pole position and the other two spots that adorn the coveted front row. While a combination of Penske, Ganassi and Andretti team drivers seems probable, there are a few dark horses to consider as well.
Do not count out 2013 pole sittter Ed Carpenter, as well as Indianapolis Grand Prix winner Simon Pagenaud.
This year’s Indianapolis 500 Pace car driver and three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti told me recently that while feeling great, he certainly has no regrets involving his decision to retire. While he will be missed on the grid, his presence in racing will continue as a member of the Ganassi racing team, serving as a consultant and strategist.
IMS continues its tradition of providing quality musical entertainment when they present a concert on the opening day of qualifications by the alternative rock band, Live. The group has sold more than 22 million records. Live will perform at 2 p.m. and the concert is free with a paid admission.
Tickets for Indy 500 qualifications are $20 and children 12 and under are admitted free.
For more info, log on to indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
Danny Bridges, who never even qualified for the Soap Box Derby, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
