Indy 500 changes rules for pole qualifying

Indy 500 changes rules for pole qualifying

Published Apr. 14, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

Winning the Indianapolis 500 pole just got trickier - and more rewarding.

The top nine qualifiers on May 22 must return to the track for a late afternoon, 90-minute "shootout" to claim the No. 1 starting spot. The winner will earn an additional $100,000 over last year's winnings.

It's the latest change in a month that already took away two of the traditional four qualifying days. The new plan is to fill the top 24 spots on Pole Day with the remaining nine spots on Bump Day. Other cars can then bump their way into the 33-car starting grid.

New rules will require the nine fastest drivers to make at least one more qualifying attempt in the afternoon with the assurance of starting no worse than ninth.

ADVERTISEMENT
share