One of the biggest qualifying challenges in the world just got tougher. IndyCar has brought a significant change to the qualifying format for the 2026 Indy 500.

With only 33 entries for this year's "Greatest Spectacle of Racing", there will be no 'bumping' during qualifying weekend. All entries will have a guaranteed spot for the race. For drivers who were under threat of being among the backmarkers, this is a boon. But from IndyCar and the fans' perspective, this means one less exciting variable.

To compensate for the absence of bumping, the 110th Indy 500 qualifying format will be as follows:

Day 1 - Saturday, May 16

Between 11 am and 5:50 pm, all 33 drivers will attempt to put in their best four-lap qualifying runs. Positions 16 to 33 will be locked in after this session.

This is unlike last year. When bumping was present, it would be 16 to 30 who were locked in, and the remaining drivers below 30 would face off in 'Last Chance Qualifying' on Sunday to qualify for the 33-driver grid.

Another change for Saturday comes for the front half of the field. Unlike last year, where the Top 12 from Day 1 would fight to get into the Fast 6 on Day 2, this year, the Top 9 will be locked in place instead of 12.

Places 10-15 will advance to the Final 15 round on Sunday and will have a separate session to fight for the remaining three spots in the Top 12. The fastest three will advance to the Top 12.

Day 2 - Sunday, May 17

At approximately 5 p.m., the Top 12 (three fastest cars from the Top 15 and the Top 9 locked in from Day 1) will put in their four-lap qualifying runs to advance to the Fast 6.

The cars will start in reverse order of their Day 1 results (slowest to fastest) for their runs. The fastest six cars will advance to the Fast 6, while positions seven through 12 will have their respective grid slots locked in for the race.

Firestone Fast will start at approximately 6:35 p.m. The format for this session, which will decide who stars on pole, will remain the same. Drivers will go out in reverse order of their lap times from Fast 12.

Updated schedule for 2026 Indy 500 qualifying weekend

"Winning pole position for the ‘500’ carries with it one of the most prestigious honors in all of motorsports, and we know our fans – whether spending the day with us at the track or watching on FOX – will look forward to celebrating this year’s pole winner," IndyCar and IMS president Doug Boles said in a statement.

The road to Indy 500 qualifying pole begins on Saturday, and the weekend schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 16

8:30-9:30 a.m. Pre-Qualifying Practice: FS2, INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

11 a.m.-5:50 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying (Determining positions 16-33): 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on FS2, 2-4 p.m. on FS1, 4-6 p.m. on FOX; INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

Sunday, May 17

1-2 p.m. Final 15 Practice (Positions 10-15 from Day One): FS2, INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

2-3 p.m. Top 12 Practice (Positions 1-9 from Day One): FS2, INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

4 p.m. Indianapolis 500 Final 15 Qualifying (Positions 13-15 determined, fastest three advance to Top 12): FOX, INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

5 p.m. Top 12 Qualifying (Positions 7-12 determined, fastest six advance to Firestone Fast Six): FOX, INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

6:35 p.m. Firestone Fast Six: FOX, INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

7 p.m. NTT P1 Award Presentation: FOX, INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls

NOTE: The timings for the sessions are approximate and subject to changes.

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Written by

Yask Kotak

Edited by

Yask Kotak