With the “condensing” of this year’s Indianapolis 500 schedule came the end of the “11-11-11” qualifying format that had been in place for several seasons. Qualifying is now going to take place in just two days, with Pole Day on Saturday and then Bump Day on Sunday. However, we didn’t know the exact details of the new Pole Day format when word came out about the new Brickyard schedule.
Perhaps we do now. Versus pit reporter Jack Arute has been doing the blogging thing for some time now and he’s now reporting that the “500” is going to somewhat take after the IZOD IndyCar Series’ road and street course qualifying procedures. From his blog, JackAruteOnSports.com:
“From 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22nd, until 4 p.m., teams will have a shot at all the spots on the grid. Then until 6 p.m. that day, a pseudo Firestone Fast 6 will have at it. At the 4pm cutoff, the nine fastest cars will compete for the pole!”
Arute goes on to say that he is unsure whether teams will receive multiple attempts at the pole leading up to the final two hours.
Well, this is an interesting rumor. While long-time Indy fans would probably like the fact that all 33 positions are up for grabs again, the “Fast Nine” aspect could divide people. It would appear to create two subplots for followers leading up to the 4 p.m. time — which teams will make the “Fast Nine” and which teams can break into the show.
However, I don’t believe there’s been official word from Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the Indy Racing League on this matter, so let’s not take this as gospel just yet. What do you think about Arute’s report and the alleged Pole Day format?
