INDIANAPOLIS — The schedule for the Indianapolis 500 will be shorter in 2010 with all of the action in a two-week, three-weekend schedule at Indianapolis Motor Speedway capped by the running of the race May 30.
This schedule is similar to the one followed 1998 through 2000.
Opening day is May 15 with practice for rookies and veterans on the first day followed by 11 more days of on-track activity. Qualifying runs will be May 22 and 23 with the pole position decided on May 22, weather permitting.
IZOD IndyCar Series and IMS officials will announce qualification format details at a later date.
Daily practice is scheduled for seven consecutive days from May 15-21.
“From a competition standpoint, the new Indy 500 schedule will further enhance the drama of qualifications for both the competitors and fans,” said Brian Barnhart, president, competition and operations division for the Indy Racing League.
“By setting the 33-car grid on one weekend, there's no room for mistakes by the teams and drivers. The pressure will be on to deliver over the 10 miles regardless of the weather and track conditions.”
Track activity will resume May 27 with practice for the Firestone Freedom 100 Firestone Indy Lights race.
Miller Lite Carb Day is May 28 and will feature a schedule packed with the final Indianapolis 500 practice, the Firestone Freedom 100 race, the annual Pit Stop Challenge for Indianapolis 500 teams and the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert.
The 2010 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 30. Helio Castroneves will attempt to become the fourth driver to win the race four times, joining A. J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears in that group.
The month of May at IMS will begin for the second consecutive year with the Centennial Era Balloon Festival on May 8-9. 9, More details will be released soon on the event featuring hot-air balloons from across the country.
Tickets for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 are on sale.
2010 Indy schedule
May 8-9: Centennial Era Balloon Festival
May 15: Indianapolis 500 Opening Day Ceremonies, Practice (Rookie
Orientation Program, Veterans)
May 16: Practice (All Drivers)
May 17-21: Practice (All Drivers)
May 22: Pole Day Qualifying
May 23: Bump Day Qualifying
May 24-25: No Track Activity
May 26: American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day (No Track
Activity)
May 27: Firestone Freedom 100 Practice, Qualifying
May 28: Miller Lite Carb Day (Indianapolis 500 Final Practice, Firestone
Freedom 100, Pit Stop Challenge, Miller Lite Carb Day Concert)
May 29: Public Drivers' Meeting (No Track Activity)
May 30: 2010 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race
