IndyCar Limits 2011 Field to 26 Cars

While Formula 1 has been trying to boost its field in recent years, their counterpart series in the United States will try to limit it for the 2011 campaign. Starting this season, the IndyCar Series will have a maximum of 26 cars on the starting grid of each event, with the exception of the famous Indy 500 race and the season finale in Las Vegas.

Although financial issues have caused some IndyCar organizations to close their operations or at least limit their entry efforts in the championship this year – which means that a 26-car grid is unlikely from the get go – the series' competition chief Brian Barnhart believed that such a measure was necessary to ensure a competitive field through 2011.

“This new procedure will ensure that our fans see the best drivers and teams in every race we stage, while adding more drama to the qualifying process,” said Barnhart.

Under the new rules, 24 of the maximum of 26 cars will make the cut after the qualifying session, whereas the remaining 2 positions will be handed to former IndyCar champions or drivers from within the Top 22 in points (before practice and qualy).

“Many of the tracks we compete at can only accommodate a maximum of 26 cars and that is our limit when traveling to overseas events, so those two factors are what really helped us land on this number.”

“We feel that a consistent starting line-up number will help our tracks and teams better prepare for events, improve conditions on pit road and elevate the level of competition on track.”

The Indy 500 will see 33 racers at the start – like usual – while the Las Vegas field (season finale) will be limited to 30 cars.