36 entries expected for the Indy 500

The 2007 Indianapolis 500 is still two months away and the IndyCar Series has yet to even run their opening race, but questions on the size of this year's field are already being asked. Brian Barnhart, the president of the Indy Racing League's newly created competition and operations division, believes that final day bumping could indeed return to the Speedway.

“Looking at where things are right now, I think we've got about 36 potential combinations,” said Barnhart. “Last year we had 34.”

There was technically no bumping in 2006 because Marty Roth crashed late on “Bump Day” while trying to find enough speed to make the show.

Barnhart would also like to truly try out a new qualifying format he introduced for the 2005 Indy 500. Under the new rules, there are four days of qualifying over two weekends with only a maximum of eleven spots up for grabs each day. This would allow for bumping on each of the first three days of qualifying, including pole day.

Unfortunately, Barnhart's new system has yet to be utilized, thanks to rain the past two years that washed out the entire first weekend of qualifying.

“I'd really like to see what happens that first day with just eleven spots available and what I believe is a highly competitive field,” said Barnhart.

ORS / CAPSIS International