New Indy 500 schedule to stay
Next year's Indy 500 will continue with the streamlined three-week schedule introduced this season
Schedule changes introduced in May 2005 for the event included 'bumping' on each day of qualifying, with the first 11 places decided on the first Saturday of the event and the next 11 decided a day later.
The final places are decided on the Saturday a week later, with bump day qualifying on the final Sunday before race day.
That format was disrupted this season due to rain, with the first 22 places being decided on the first Sunday instead. However, organisers will stick with the new system.
"Changes that we introduced to the 2005 schedule helped to create one of the most memorable months of May in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer.
"Fans and competitors were very enthusiastic about the new format, so it makes sense to maintain a similar schedule for 2006 as we celebrate the 90th running of the 500-Mile Race."
The later start time of noon on race day will remain, reducing the likelihood on NASCAR stars opting to race in the event, because it leaves less time to get to the Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte. Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon have tried the feat before.
90th Indianapolis 500 schedule (All times local, subject to change):
Sunday, May 7, 2006 Opening Day - Rookie Orientation Program Noon-5 p.m. Monday, May 8 Rookie Orientation Program Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday, May 9-Thursday, May 11 Practice (All drivers) Noon-6 p.m. Friday, May 12 Fast Friday practice (All drivers) Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, May 13 MBNA Pole Day Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, May 14 Second Day Qualifying Noon-6 p.m. Monday, May 15-Tuesday, May 16 No Track Activity Wednesday, May 17-Friday, May 19 Practice (All drivers) Noon- 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20 Third Day Qualifying Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, May 21 Bump Day Qualifying Noon-6 p.m. Monday, May 22-Tuesday, May 23 No Track Activity Wednesday, May 24 Community Day Thursday, May 25 Freedom 100 Practice, Qualifying Noon-5 p.m. Friday, May 26 Miller Lite Carb Day (Indianapolis 500 practice, Freedom 100, Checkers/Rally's Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge, Miller Lite Carb Day Concert) All Day Saturday, May 27 Public Drivers' Meeting 11 a.m. Sunday, May 28 90th Indianapolis 500 Noon
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