IndyCar shortens oval qualifying

Since the start of 2008, qualifying positions for oval events have been determined by drivers' average speed over four-lap runs, in a method inspired by the Indianapolis 500 qualifying system.

But from Chicagoland this weekend, where 29 cars are entered, each driver's speed will be measured over just two laps.

"The number of cars we're having at our events - 27 cars at Mid-Ohio and 29 at Chicagoland and maybe Homestead-Miami - and the length of time it takes to qualify these cars when you're conducting two-day shows, it becomes a non-productive use of track time," Indy Racing League president of competition and racing operations Brian Barnhart said.

"By going to an average of two timed laps instead of four, it reduces our qualifying time by 33 per cent. We're rather make sure the drivers are getting ample track time in practice conditions with all cars on track at the same time to be better-prepared for the race."