Search for cars continues

Owners of a handful of available cars seemed reluctant to take to the track until they were certain that together they'd have enough cars to reach 33. Twenty-six cars are in the race so far; with Marty Roth and PJ Jones the only ones believed to be prepared (for now, anyway) to qualify during Sunday's bump day, the race needs five more cars to reach 33.

"Everyone wants a 33-car field, but nobody wants to put a car in until they're sure there is 33," said Robby McGehee, one of several drivers seeking a ride. "We've got a lot of prospective people we're talking to, and a little bit of sponsorship."

McGehee drove the No. 44 Panther Racing Dallara-Chevrolet last year. That car is on the entry list for this year's 500, as are the Team Penske G Force-Toyota; Greg Ray's No. 13 G Force-Honda; Mo Nunn's No. 21 Dallara-Toyota; the No. 23 Dreyer & Reinbold Dallara-Chevrolet; and the No. 18 PDM Racing Dallara-Chevrolet.

"There's still a lot of open spots," said driver Jimmy Kite. "I've been working with PDM to try to put something together. They're trying to raise money for me. We'll see as the week pans out. Hopefully, PDM will be out here, but if not, there are other cars. We'll just see where we are on the list."

That list, for now, includes Buddy Lazier, Arie Luyendyk Jr, Jeff Simmons, Jaques Lazier, Roberto Moreno, McGehee and Kite. Ray, an IRL IndyCar Series regular, reportedly is looking for financing to get the No. 13 in the race.

The 33-car mark has been a source of controversy - and fodder for the Indy Racing League's critics - since the split in open-wheel racing began in 1996. It became a more serious issue this year when IRL and Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George questioned the traditional 33-car grid and called 33 "just a number".

The race has come up short of 33 cars just once since 1928, and some drivers were beginning to get nervous about the prospect of coming up short.

"It's a bit frustrating to be here today," McGehee said. "I keep telling myself, 'I'll know more tomorrow. I'll know more tomorrow.' I think we need to know something soon."