Will Indy 500 Have A Full 33 Car Field?

[cosworth151]

The Indianapolis Star newspaper reported Sunday that IndyCar might have problems getting a full 33 car field for this year's Indianapolis 500. They site problems with having enough cars and engines go go around. The series went to an all new Dallara car this season. They also went to new, turbo V6 engines, provided by Chevy, Honda and Lotus.

Series CEO Randy Bernard says that there will not be any problems. However, the Lotus powered teams will not be able to participate in Wednesday's tests at the Speedway. Lotus was unable to supply enough engines for the test.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20120401/SPORTS01/204010355/New-equipment-causing-concerns-Indy-500-car-count

[Jericoke]

Does Indy have a 107% rule?

Can they just put in a real minivan engine to get the chassis around the track 4 times to qualify?

[Scott]

I don't think they do...just that they max out the field at 33 cars.  Usually they have more than that attempting.

[lkjohnson1950]

In the past they didn't have a problem because the older cars were usually available for starting money rides. If they are short this year it will be because the rules are too restrictive and you have to have a new car/ new engine.

[lkjohnson1950]

Speed TV says a total of 34 entries have been received for the 500, with 30 confirmed drivers. So much for bump day.

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-indy-500-entry-list-revealed2/