Indy 500 schedule imminent

George, president and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League, will join other IMS and IRL officials for a press conference this morning (Tuesday) in Indianapolis to reveal the schedule for the 89th Indy 500. While IMS officials haven't confirmed the plans, the practice schedule is expected to be shortened from the format used in recent years.

That format uses two weekends of qualifying and two full weeks of practice leading up to those qualifying weekends. Speculation is that George will shorten the qualifying to one weekend, with one week of practice leading up to the qualifying weekend. However, that has not been confirmed by IMS or the IRL.

WTHR-TV in Indianapolis reported on Monday that Carb Day, the traditional final day of practice on the Thursday before the race, will be moved to the Friday before the race. The race will continue to be held on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, although speculation continues about the traditional 11am EST starting time.

George will be joined Tuesday by Brian Barnhart, IRL senior vice president; Joie Chitwood, IMS senior vice president for business affairs; Bob Bedell, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association; and Kirk Hendrix, president and CEO of the 500 Festival.

George has experimented with a variety of schedules for the month of May in recent years, including a shortened practice and qualifying schedule similar to the one being speculated about in the weeks leading to the announcement.