INDIANAPOLIS 500 QUALIFYING

Qualifications for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 will feature the same format from last year after INDYCAR officials altered its qualifying schedule for the 2010 race.  Forty-one teams are currently on the entry list for the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.

Staring positions 1-24 for the Indianapolis 500 will be determined during "Pole Day" on Saturday, May 21 while the remaining 33-car field will be set on Sunday, May 22 for "Bump Day."

The first day of qualifying will conclude with the nine fastest drivers competing for the pole in a 90-minute shootout.  The “Fast Nine” will make at least one four-lap qualifying attempt which will determine the pole sitter and order of the first three rows of the starting field.

Qualifying will resume on Sunday, or “Bump Day”, for positions 25-33.

Points will be awarded to all 33 drivers who qualify for the Indianapolis 500, with the pole sitter earning 15 points towards their overall IZOD IndyCar Series season total.