By ZECH YODER
This weekend is qualifying for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. While the Indianapolis 500 is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 may be the greatest four laps in racing.
For those who might not know, qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 occurs over the course of two days. During Day 1, positions 13 to 30 will be set for the race. During Day 1 each team will be given one qualifying run. After the final team is provided with a qualifying attempt, teams will have additional opportunities at qualifying runs and will line up in two lanes to await additional tries: the priority lane (Lane 1) and the regular lane (Lane 2).
Teams in the priority lane will be given priority access to the track but must withdraw their previous fastest qualifying time, risking a slower qualifying try and lower starting position. However, given that the track is extremely weather and temperature dependent, utilizing the priority lane could provide an opportunity to get onto the track when conditions become optimal for a qualifying run.
During Day 2 of qualifying, the top 12 cars in Day 1 will re-qualify for a spot in the Firestone Fast Six. The top 12 will be guaranteed at least one attempt but may make additional attempts, time permitting. The Firestone Fast Six is the final qualifying session and determines the first two rows (top six spots) for the Indianapolis 500. Like the previous sessions, each team will be given at least one opportunity to qualify and may make additional attempts until time for the qualifying session expires.
Finally, Day 2 is also “Bump Day” in which the final three starting positions are determined, and, if there are more than 33 teams attempting to qualify for the race, the slowest qualifiers (34 and below) are bumped out of the race. This year, there are 34 entries so one team will be bumped from the race.
A qualifying run consists of four timed laps with a two-lap warm-up. The four timed laps are averaged, generating a qualifying time. Typically, the speeds will be the greatest in Lap 1 and drop off on each subsequent lap due to the stress, heat, and wear on the tires. Qualifying runs this year are anticipated to be in excess of 234 mph. Teams will attempt to “trim out” their cars as to achieve the fastest possible speeds. As the cars are trimmed out, they become faster but more difficult to drive.
At such high speeds with such low grip, drivers take the cars to the absolute limit and must be picture perfect throughout the entire qualifying run. The smallest mistake could be the difference between starting first or 21st.
This year, the field is extremely close. The Ganassi cars are always strong at Indianapolis, winning pole position at the last two Indianapolis 500. However, Team Penske, Arrow McLaren, Andretti Autosport, and Ed Carpenter Racing all had fast cars in Friday practice.
Buckle up Saturday and Sunday are going to be wild. My pick for pole position is Alex Palou of Ganassi.
Zech Yoder is a local resident, an attorney at Adler Attorneys in Noblesville, and a lifelong race fan.