INDYCAR updates Sunday Indianapolis 500 qualifying schedule

| Photographer Credit: James Black

INDYCAR has announced an updated schedule for PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge after persistent rain forced the postponement of Day One of qualifications Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Beginning at noon ET Sunday, all 33 qualifiers will line up based on Friday’s qualifying draw and have one attempt to post a traditional four-lap qualifying speed and the opportunity to advance to subsequent qualifying rounds.

Due to the time parameters needed Sunday for “knockout rounds,” initial qualifying runs will determine positions 13-33, with the fastest 12 qualifiers continuing directly to a Top 12 round at approximately 4:30 p.m. Under this abbreviated format – like in previous years – the order of Sunday’s Top 12 begins in reverse of qualifying speeds from the cars’ initial qualifying attempts (12, 11, 10, 9, etc). Each car will have one attempt. Those finishing seventh through 12th will fill out starting positions seven through 12 according to their time and speed.

Rain on the pit lane – PPG Armed Forces Qualifying – By Doug Mathews

The fastest six will advance to the next round of “500” qualifying and the Firestone Fast Six to determine positions one through six.

The fastest in the Firestone Fast Six will claim the coveted NTT P1 Award and pole position for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” and the accompanying $100,000 prize.

2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship points also will be awarded for those who advance to the Top 12 qualifying session. The Indy 500 pole winner will receive 12 points, the second fastest will receive 11, and points awarded will decrease by one-point increments down to the 12th fastest (one point).

SCHEDULE (All times local):

9 a.m.: Public Gates Open

9:30-10:30 a.m.: Practice (two groups)

10:45 a.m.: Armed Forces Enlistment Ceremony, Pagoda Plaza

Noon: Indianapolis 500 Qualifying (all cars)

3:15 p.m.: Monster Truck World Speed Record Attempt

4:30 p.m.: Top 12 Qualifying

6 p.m.: Firestone Fast Six Qualifying

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