A new IndyCar Qualifying format is set to debut for the upcoming 110th edition of the Indy 500.
For the first time since 2022, no entrants will be bumped. In fact, only exactly 33 entries have opted to participate in the 2026 Month of May frenzy. A last minute teammate duel like the Last Chance Dale Coyne duel will not happen, with Katherine Legge bringing up the tally to the round, perfect number.
As a consequence of the reduced number of contenders for the final race win, the overall IndyCar schedule for the upcoming Qualifying weekend for the 2026 edition of the Indy 500 has changed. The updated track timings and organisations of sessions will definitely increase the adrenaline following the removal of a further mystery factor.
The complete updated IndyCar Qualifying procedure for the Indy 500
On Saturday, drivers will lap in order to set the grid for positions 16th to 33rd, with the number of cars advancing to the next, exciting steps increased by four. The fastest nine challengers emerging from these standings will directly advance to the Top 12 Qualifying segment.
On the other hand of the results, the bottom six will face off in order to assign the remaining three spots in the Final 15 session opening Sunday IndyCar racing. In this all-new allotted track time, the contenders one by one, sorted by reverse qualifying speeds order, will have just one chance to set the best four lap average speed to join the Fast 12.
Afterwards, at around 5pm ET, the Fast 12 will commence by the latest qualifiers, then advance to the one holding the fastest speeds from the previous Saturday session. The session will set, just like in the previous years, starting positions P7 to P12.
Finally, the Firestone Fast Six will determine the pole sitter for the 2026 edition of the Indy 500, as well as the winner of the $100,000 prize.
An exciting event nevertheless
INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles commented on the announcement, highlighting the importance of setting the grid for the most famous motorsport race.
“Next to Race Day, Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend is a can’t-miss moment on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indianapolis Motor Speedway calendar. As the past few seasons have proven, INDYCAR has an incredibly deep and world-class field filled with current and rising stars. This expanded format, which includes all rounds on FOX, will shine a massive spotlight on the remarkable skill it takes to start toward the front of our sport’s biggest event.
“Winning pole position for the ‘500’ carries with it one of the most prestigious honors in all of motorsports, and we know our fans – whether spending the day with us at the track or watching on FOX – will look forward to celebrating this year’s pole winner.”
Tune in on Saturday to see whether IndyCar championship leader Alex Palou’s quest for a second Indy 500 win in a row will start on the right foot from Qualifying,
