In the run-up to the 'largest single day sporting event' in the world, there is a weekend dedicated entirely to setting the grid before the race.

Only 33 cars are allowed to run in the Indianapolis 500, paving the way for a 'bump day' style qualifying format that fans are used to as teams add additional cars to their lineups. However, in 2026, this will not be the case.

IndyCar has decided to switch up the format by adding an extra Sunday 'elimination round' to the 2 days of qualifying sessions, raising the stakes even higher for setting the first few rows of the grid and pole position.…