Indianapolis 500 qualifying format announced, includes bumping, Firestone Fast Six

The 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will officially include bumping and retain the Firestone Fast Six, according to a press release from Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar on Friday.

The refreshed qualifying format includes a full day for all entries to make a qualifying attempt on Saturday with ample time to set second, third or even fourth attempts, and an action packed Sunday with a fast 12, last chance qualifying session, and a Firestone Fast Six for pole position.

“We know how much our loyal fans love the ‘race within the race’ to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, and bumping will add even more drama this year,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said in the release. “We can’t wait to see the cars trimmed out for maximum speed in two of the most pressure-packed days in global motorsports, setting the field for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.”

Last year was the first for the top 12 and Firestone Fast Six for 500 qualifying, and included a record qualifying attempt by Scott Dixon of 234.046 mph over four laps, the fastest pole speed ever and second fastest official qualifying attempt in history at IMS.

This year the Fast Six will follow the Last Chance Qualifying session, which will include the cars with the four slowest times from Saturday. Per IMS, "Each car is guaranteed one attempt and may make multiple attempts until time expires. Each car’s most recent qualification speed will remain eligible for the starting lineup until the time is withdrawn or qualifications end."

Championship points will be awarded to the top 12 qualifiers, with first place scoring 12 through 12th place scoring 1.

All sessions will stream live on Peacock, plus the last two hours on Saturday and the LCQ and Firestone Fast Six on Sunday will broadcast on NBC.

Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Schedule

DAY ONE: Saturday, May 20

11 a.m.-5:50 p.m.: Full Field Qualifying (Live on Peacock, also 2:30-4:30 p.m. on NBC)

Positions 13-30 will be set, those drivers will not requalify Sunday.

When every car in the qualifying order for Saturday has been presented at least one chance to qualify, teams may choose from two lanes for second and subsequent attempts. Cars in the priority lane (Lane 1) must withdraw their qualified time – if the car has one – but get priority access to the track ahead of Lane 2. Lane 2 is for cars that have already qualified but wish to improve their position. Once cars are outside of the Top 30, they are considered to not have a qualification speed as only positions 1-30 will be locked in during Day One.

DAY TWO: Sunday, May 21

2-3 p.m.: Top 12 Qualifying (Live on Peacock)

Positions 7-12 will be determined.

The order is based on Saturday times, slowest to fastest. Each car is guaranteed one attempt. The fastest six advance to the Firestone Fast Six to determine positions 1-6.

4-5 p.m.: Last Chance Qualifying (Live on NBC)

Positions 31-33 determined.

Each car is guaranteed one attempt and may make multiple attempts until time expires. Each car’s most recent qualification speed will remain eligible for the starting lineup until the time is withdrawn or qualifications end.

5:15-5:45 p.m.: Firestone Fast Six (Live on NBC)

Positions 1-6 will be determined.

The order is based on times from Top 12 Qualifying earlier Sunday, slowest to fastest. Each car is guaranteed one attempt. The fastest driver in the Firestone Fast Six will earn the NTT P1 Award for pole.