IndyCar are always trying to find ways to make their sport more exciting and they might have accomplished that goal on Friday with their biggest chip – the Indianapolis 500. 

IndyCar announced a new qualifying format for the 98th running of the Indy 500 that would see three rounds of qualifying over two days. On the first day, the fastest 33 cars will move on to the next day. Slots 10-33 would have their earlier times erased and would compete for pole positions from 10-33. The fastest nine from the first day – would then have their own competition to see who gets pole in what they’re calling a “Fast Nine Shootout.”

Every entry for the Indy 500 will get one four-lap attempt in all three rounds of qualification. For the final “Fast Nine Shootout” it appears that the slowest of the nine go out first and aggregate times at the end of the session will determine the order and eventual pole sitter. 

There are apparently point incentives as well, but those have yet to be determined.

"This new format includes two exciting days of on-track action, all culminating on Sunday with the Fast Nine Shootout," said Mark Miles, CEO, Hulman Motorsports. "Fans get to watch their favourite drivers battle to make the field on Saturday, and then fight for a pole position on Sunday.

The month of May is usually a toned-down month for IndyCar, but with the introduction of the Grand Prix of Indianapolis (a road course) set for earlier in the month and this new entertaining qualifying format for the Indy 500 – IndyCar is hoping to make a big splash for the television audience and in fan attendance. 

The Indy 500 qualifying weekend goes from May 17-18 and the race will be run on May 25th.