Rain is already throwing a wrench into the opening day of qualifying for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. IndyCar officials were forced to cancel Saturday morning's planned practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway due to persistent rain and lightning, which also led to the evacuation of fans from the grandstands. While the initial storm has passed, the threat of more inclement weather looms large over the rest of the day's schedule.
Saturday's qualifying session is set to determine the starting grid for positions 16 through 33, with the fastest 15 drivers advancing to Sunday's "Final 15" round. The top nine from that group will automatically lock into the "Top 12" round, setting the stage for a dramatic weekend of speed. Notably, there will be no bumping this year, meaning all 33 entered drivers will start the race next Sunday, regardless of their qualifying times.
If the rain continues to disrupt the schedule and IndyCar cannot give every entry at least one qualifying attempt, those who do manage to run will have to re-run in an altered Sunday format. Officials estimate they need about a three-hour window to allow all cars to complete their four-lap qualifying runs—a tight window with more showers in the forecast.
Five-time Indy 500 pole-sitter Scott Dixon is set to lead the pack onto the track, aiming to match Rick Mears' record of six poles at this iconic event. He'll be followed by Christian Lundgaard, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ed Carpenter, Rinus VeeKay, and Scott McLaughlin. Defending race winner Alex Palou, along with Jacob Abel and Katherine Legge, will be the final three drivers to make their runs. Legge is chasing history as she attempts to become just the sixth driver to complete the grueling Indy 500/Coke 600 Double this year.
Felix Rosenqvist currently holds the fastest lap of the week, clocking a blistering 233.372 mph during Friday's Fast Friday practice, while 2024 Indy 500 pole-sitter McLaughlin posted the quickest no-tow speed at 232.674 mph. With the weather threatening to shuffle the order, all eyes are on the sky as drivers and teams hope for a clear window to chase glory at the Brickyard.