The Indianapolis 500 qualifying process stands as one of the most intense and unique in motorsport, combining speed, skill, and strategic decisions over two days to set the starting grid for the famed 33-car race. Unlike typical qualifying sessions in other series that often feature a single flying lap, the Indy 500 demands drivers complete four consecutive laps around the 2.5-mile oval, with the average speed of those laps determining their position. This format tests not only outright speed but also consistency and precision over multiple laps.
The qualifying event begins on Saturday, where all entered cars—often more than the 33 available spots—are guaranteed at least one chance to make a four-lap run. Drivers’ average speeds during this session decide much of the field: those finishing with the 13th to 30th fastest times lock in their starting positions, while the fastest twelve drivers earn the opportunity to compete again on Sunday in the Top 12 Qualifying session. If the number of entries exceeds the 33-car limit, the slowest drivers and those outside the top 33 battle in Last Chance Qualifying, commonly known as “Bump Day,” where the three fastest drivers claim the final spots on the grid, bumping others from contention.
Sunday’s sessions start with the Top 12 Qualifying round, where those fastest twelve drivers from Saturday each attempt another four-lap run. This round determines the starting positions for 1st through 12th, but only the six fastest move on to the coveted Fast Six session. In this final shootout, those six drivers complete one last four-lap run to decide the pole position and the first two rows of the grid. The driver with the highest average speed wins the pole, a prized honor that brings prestige and a strategic advantage for race day.
The unique four-lap average format demands consistency and vehicle reliability, differentiating it from single-lap time trials elsewhere. Speeds often soar beyond 230 mph, with teams using a horsepower boost exclusive to qualifying runs to maximize performance. Weather conditions, track temperature, and wind play crucial roles in timing attempts, pushing teams to make strategic decisions on when to qualify. Drivers can withdraw attempts mid-run if the speed isn’t competitive, but this means returning to the back of the queue—a gamble in itself.
The stakes are especially high during Bump Day, when more than 33 entries compete for the final three grid spots. The tension of “bumping” adds drama as slower drivers get pushed out by faster challengers, often eliminating even established teams. This element of unpredictability fuels much of the excitement around Indy 500 qualifying, captivating fans worldwide.
In recent years, the field has hovered closer to the 33-car maximum, reducing the frequency of dramatic bumping sessions. However, the current qualifying format, refined since the mid-2010s, strikes a balance between tradition and excitement, ensuring every team has a shot while providing thrilling moments for spectators.
In the 2025 qualifying, Kyle Larson secured the 21st starting position with an average speed of 231.326 mph over four laps. Larson admitted to finding the process “sketchy,” reflecting the immense pressure and difficulty of Indy qualifying. His first run was slower, placing him 27th before improving in his second attempt. This qualifying weekend was particularly eventful for Larson, who is attempting the rare “Double” — competing in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. After a crash in Fast Friday practice and narrowly avoiding an accident during practice, Larson is prioritizing NASCAR, planning to leave Indianapolis early to ensure he competes at Charlotte. If Larson departs before the Indy 500 starts, veteran Tony Kanaan is set to take over the car and start from the 33rd position.
Larson joins a small group of elite drivers who have attempted the grueling “Double,” racing both iconic events on the same day. Past racers include John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch, with only four of them successfully competing in both races in a single day. Tony Stewart holds the record for completing the most miles in a double effort, finishing 6th at Indy and 3rd in the Cup race in 2001.
The 2025 Indy 500 qualifying format continues to embody the spirit of speed, strategy, and high drama that has defined this legendary event for decades. Every lap, every run, and every decision can alter a driver’s fate on the historic oval, setting the stage for the month of May’s greatest spectacle.
