How the 2025 Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Works

Qualifying for the 2025 Indianapolis 500 will take place over two days: Saturday, May 17th, and Sunday, May 18th. The race itself is scheduled for Sunday, May 25th.

Here's a breakdown of how the qualifying process unfolds:

Qualifying Procedure

• Initial Runs: Each of the 34 cars is guaranteed one four-lap run on the 2.5-mile oval. The average speed over these four laps determines their initial qualifying time. In 2024, Scott McLaughlin set a new record with an average speed of 234.220 mph.

• Lane System: After the initial runs, the pit lane is divided into two lanes:

  • Lane 2: Cars can re-enter the track to improve their time without losing their current time.
  • Lane 1: Drivers have priority but must forfeit their previous time for a new run, even if it's slower.

• Top 30 Lock-In: The top 30 drivers are guaranteed a spot in the race.

• Advancement: Positions 1-12 advance to Sunday's session, along with those in positions 31-34.

Day 2 Qualifying

• Fast 12: The top 12 from Saturday compete to narrow down the field for the pole position.
  • Cars run in reverse order of their Saturday times (12th to 1st).
  • Positions 7-12 are locked in based on this session.
• Bumping Process:
  • The drivers who finished P31-P34 on Saturday must run again.
  • Each gets a guaranteed run before the lane system is used.
  • The slowest driver (P34) is eliminated and does not start the race.
• Fast Six: The top six drivers compete for pole position.
  • Each car gets one four-lap run.
  • The fastest driver claims pole position, setting the first two rows of the grid.