Indy boss admits grid worry

In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, George states that he will be willing to accept an entry that falls short of the 33-mark that the 500 has become accustomed to. Engine supply in the light of capacity revisions will be a major factor in the size of the 2004 Indy 500 grid.

"It's getting harder and harder to put a lot of cars on the track," George said. "I think we'll get there [to 33 cars] this year, but there's no reason why we have to force it in the future."

He also points out that NASCAR's Nextel Cup, acknowledged as America's top racing series, is also struggling to attract sufficient numbers, and that it has allowed quality to suffer as a result. The Indy 500 has featured a 33-car grid since 1934.

"I asked myself, if we change [the starting number] up or down, what does that really do?" he said. "Whether it's 33 at Indy or 43 at a NASCAR race, it's just a number. There have been races where I was uncomfortable with the quality of some of the cars, and they were there just for the sake of hitting some number.

"I actually think we should reduce it - that's how I feel today. But that might change next week, next month or next year."