Indy’s Bump Day could be fun

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS

Bump Day is going to be relevant again at Indianapolis.

IndyCar drivers and team executives say the final day of Indianapolis 500 qualifying could be more interesting than usual because several Champ Car drivers who joined IndyCar when the series merged in 2008 have gained enough experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to challenge the veterans.

That could leave some longtime IndyCar drivers fighting for a spot in the field on Sunday.

Former Champ Car driver Will Power leads the point standings and is among the favorites to win the May 30 race after finishing fifth last year. Ryan Hunter-Reay, who spent three years in Champ Car and now is fourth in IndyCar points, was Indy 500 rookie of the year in 2008 after finishing sixth.

Alex Tagliani finished 11th in last year’s Indy 500 and was rookie of the year after starting 33rd. Graham Rahal qualified fourth last year, but crashed early in the race and finished 31st.

Justin Wilson is another ex-Champ Car driver who has been solid in practice. He sits sixth in the standings.

“It makes everybody up their game,” John Andretti, who fought through Bump Day last year and qualified, said. “It’s not only the drivers, but the teams that came over. They’re getting more knowledgeable about the race car and what to do to it too. And they’re extremely competitive.”

The format for qualifying has changed. Last year, the first 22 spots qualified one weekend, the next 11 spots were filled the following Saturday, and Bump Day was Sunday. This year, the first 24 spots will qualify on Saturday, then nine on Sunday before bumping.

This year, there are 37 driver-car combinations competing for 33 spots. There also are drivers hanging around Indy, hoping to get sponsorship, a ride and a chance to crack the field before the weekend is over.