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IndyCar alters qualifying format for 2026 Indianapolis 500
TL;DR
IndyCar has revised the qualifying format for the 2026 Indianapolis 500, eliminating bumping for the first time in four years. Qualifying will occur on May 16th, determining positions 16-33 and allowing the fastest nine cars to compete for pole on Day 2.
Key points
- IndyCar changes qualifying format for 2026 Indianapolis 500
- No bumping for the first time in four years
- Day 1 of qualifying on May 16th from 11am to 5:50pm EST
- Positions 16-33 will be locked in on Day 1
- Fastest nine cars will compete for pole on Day 2
Motorsport photo
IndyCar has announced changes to the qualifying procedure ahead of the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, which will feature 33 cars and no bumping for the first time in four years.
Day 1 of qualifying is set to take place on May 16th with the session lasting from 11am EST to 5:50pm EST. This will lock in positions 16-33 for the Indy 500.
The fastest nine cars will be locked into the top 12 for Day 2 of qualifying with an opportunity to advance into FirestoneĀ Fast Six qualifying and fight for pole.
The drivers sitting 10-15 after Saturday qualifying will advance into the Final 15 round for Sunday qualifying, offering them the chance to take the final three spots inside the Top 12. Those drivers will have one attempt to put down a four-lap average with the three fastest joining the rest of the Top 12. This will begin at 4pm EST.
At around 5pm EST, the Top 12 round of qualifying will commence with a chance to advance into the final round -- the Firestone Fast Six.
Like previous years, the fastest six will then get the opportunity to take part in one final round where they fight for pole position and the $100,000 prize, as well as a front row starting position in IndyCar's crown jewel event. Fast Six is scheduled for around 6:35pm EST, with every car getting one attempt
Drivers in the Final 15, Top 12, and Firestone Fast Six rounds will go out in order from slowest to fastest for their four-lap runs.
Read Also:
The official entry list for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500
Indy 500 Updated Qualifying Schedule
All times EST, subject to change
Saturday, May 16
8:30am -- 9:30am: Pre-qualifying practice on FS2 (All 33 entries)
11am -- 5:50pm EST: Open qualifying session(Determining positions 16-33)
TV: 11am -- 2pm on FS2; 2pm-4 pm on FS1; 4pm-6pm on FOX
Sunday, May 17
1pm-2pm: Final 15 Practice on FS2 (Positions 10-15 from Day One)
2pm-3pm: Top 12 Practice on FS2 (Positions 1-9 from Day One)
4pm: Final 15 Qualifying on FOX (Positions 13-15 determined,
fastest three advance to Top 12)
5pm: Top 12 Qualifying on FOX (Positions 7-12 determined, fastest six advanceĀ
to Firestone Fast Six)
6:35pm: Firestone Fast Six on FOX (Positions 1-6 determined, pole awarded)
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Q&A
What are the new qualifying rules for the 2026 Indianapolis 500?
The new rules include no bumping for the first time in four years, with qualifying determining positions 16-33 on Day 1 and allowing the fastest nine cars to advance to the top 12 on Day 2.
When will the qualifying for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 take place?
Qualifying for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 16th, from 11am EST to 5:50pm EST.
How many cars will compete in the 2026 Indianapolis 500?
The 2026 Indianapolis 500 will feature 33 cars.
