Qualifying Rules at the Indy Motor Speedway: Essential Guidelines for 2025 Participants
How Indy 500 Qualifying Works
Contents
The Indianapolis 500 qualifying process is a complex, intense battle where drivers push their machines to incredible speeds over four critical laps. The qualifying weekend determines who gets the coveted pole position and the remaining 32 spots on the famous 11-row, 3-car-wide starting grid.
The Qualifying Format 2025
Qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 takes place over two days, typically in mid-May (with May 17-18, 2025) being the qualifying weekend for this year’s race). During these sessions, drivers must complete four consecutive laps around the 2.5-mile oval—a total of 10 miles—with their four-lap average speed determining their position.
The qualifying order is determined by a blind draw held the day before the first qualifying day, adding an element of chance to the proceedings. Each driver receives:
- Two warm-up laps (occasionally three if officials deem it necessary)
- Four timed laps that count for their qualifying attempt
If a driver or team isn’t happy with their pace during an attempt, they can “wave off” the run before completing all four laps, allowing them to try again later.
Day 1: FRIDAY Qualifying (Positions 1-30)
Friday qualifying runs from noon to 6 pm and serves two critical purposes:
- Determines the 30 cars that are locked into the race
- Identifies the 12 fastest cars that advance to Sunday’s shootouts
By the end of Friday:
- Positions 13-30 are firmly set
- The top 12 fastest qualifiers advance to Saturday’s shootouts
- Any cars outside the top 30 must battle for the final row on Sunday
Day 2: saturday Qualifying (The Shootouts)
Sunday features three distinct qualifying sessions:
Last Chance Qualifying (2-3 pm)
- All unqualified cars compete for the final three positions (31-33)
- Each car gets at least one guaranteed attempt
- Multiple attempts are permitted until time expires
- If more than 33 cars are entered, bumping occurs (slower qualifiers get “bumped” from the field)
Top 12 Qualifying (4-4:45 pm)
- The 12 fastest cars from Saturday compete
- Qualifying order is based on Saturday’s speeds (slowest to fastest)
- Each entry gets one guaranteed attempt
- The six fastest advance to the Fast Six session
- Positions 7-12 are set
- Points are awarded to all drivers in this session, starting with 1 point for the slowest and increasing to 12 points for the fastest
Fast Six Qualifying (5:10-5:40 pm)
- The six fastest drivers from Top 12 Qualifying compete
- Order determined by Top 12 qualifying speeds (slowest to fastest)
- Each entry gets one guaranteed attempt
- Positions 1-6 are determined, with the fastest driver winning the pole position
The Qualifying Lanes
After each car has had at least one qualifying attempt, teams must choose between two lanes for subsequent attempts:
Lane 1 (Priority Lane)
- Gets priority access to the track
- Teams must withdraw their previous qualifying time
- Higher risk, higher reward
Lane 2 (Non-Priority Lane)
- For cars trying to improve their position
- Previous qualifying time is protected
- Might wait longer for track access
The Stakes of Qualifying
The pole position brings significant advantages:
- 12 championship points (with point awards decreasing through the Fast Six)
- Cash reward
- Prime starting position
- Prestige and media attention
Record-Breaking Speeds
Qualifying at Indianapolis often produces breathtaking speeds. The current qualifying record is held by Arie Luyendyk, who set a blistering four-lap average of 236.986 mph in 1996.
Recent pole winners include Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and other IndyCar stars. Legends like Rick Mears and Helio Castroneves have each won the pole position multiple times throughout their careers.
Fast Friday and Turbo Boost
The day before qualifying, known as “Fast Friday,” teams receive additional turbo boost, increasing horsepower and speeds. This allows drivers and teams to prepare for the increased boost levels used during qualifying weekend.
The additional power comes from increased turbo boost pressure, which is only permitted during qualifying weekend and not during the race itself. This explains why qualifying speeds are typically faster than race speeds.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Indianapolis 500 qualifying is as much a mental challenge as a technical one. Drivers like Ed Carpenter and Marco Andretti have shown how the pressure of four perfect laps can be both exhilarating and devastating. A single mistake in any of the 16 corners across four laps can ruin a qualifying attempt.
The qualifying weekend includes several practice sessions before time trials begin, giving teams opportunities to dial in their setups. However, changing weather conditions can dramatically affect qualifying strategies and outcomes.
Tickets for qualifying weekend are significantly more affordable than race day, with general admission starting at around $30, making it an excellent opportunity for fans to experience the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.