How 2026 Indy 500 qualifying works
It’s that time of year again as the Indianapolis 500 looms on the horizon.
Before the race itself on Sunday, May 24th, first, we must set the grid at the Brickyard, but how does 2026 Indy 500 qualifying actually work?
Below, ApexF1 explains all!
The starting grid at Indianapolis for the 500 is, as it always has been, limited to just 33 cars.
On Saturday, May 16th, every car entered into the race will be permitted one guaranteed four-lap run of the 2.5-mile oval. The standings are measured in terms of average speed over the four laps as opposed to elapsed time.
Once every driver has completed this and an order established, drivers then have the opportunity to improve their average speed.
To do this, two ‘lanes’ are created on pit road.
Lane 1 is known as the ‘Priority Lane’ and being in this queue will give the driver priority access to the track, but they must have withdrawn their ‘guaranteed’ four-lap run.
If the second attempt is slower than the first, it is the second attempt which will stand and the driver placed into the appropriate position.
Lane 2 is for cars that are simply wanting to see if they can improve their position, and does not matter if a run from this lane is slower than the original.
After the guns sound to signal the end of the session, grid positions 16-33 are locked in, and those drivers will start the race in the corresponding positions. Those who are in the top nine will be guaranteed a spot in the ‘Fast 12’ the following day.
On Sunday, May 17th, those who finished 10-15 the day before will fight out for the final three spots in the ‘Fast 12’. Each of the six cars will have one attempt to post a traditional four-lap qualifying time.
The fastest three will then advance to the ‘Fast 12’ before the fastest six from that session advance into the final shootout for pole position.
Check out the schedule for 2026 Indy 500 qualifying below!
