By: Spencer Neff
May11, 2026

Ahead of tomo0rrow’s opening practice, INDYCAR announced modifications to the qualifying process for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

On Saturday, positions 16-33 will be locked and the fastest nine cars from the first day will be locked in. Drivers qualifying in positions 10-15 will requalify on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET, with the fastest three moving on to the Fast 12 (13-15 are locked in).

Then at 5:00 p.m., drivers 12-10 along with nine to one (descending order) will take their four-lap qualifying runs with positions seven through 12 locked in.

At 6:35 p.m., the Fast Six will run for the pole and the first two rows of the grid will be set.

“Next to Race Day, Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend is a can’t-miss moment on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indianapolis Motor Speedway calendar,” INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said.

“As the past few seasons have proven, INDYCAR has an incredibly deep and world-class field filled with current and rising stars. This expanded format, which includes all rounds on FOX, will shine a massive spotlight on the remarkable skill it takes to start toward the front of our sport’s biggest event.

“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.”

The NTT P1 Award winner (pole sitter) will receive 12 points counting toward their 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES points total, positions 2-12 will receive points (second receives 11 and each starter through 12th receives one fewer point than the previous entry).

Practice begins at noon e.t. tomorrow.

Header Image By Josh Hernandez/INDYCAR