The time has arrived.
The 108th Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing is set to take place, as usual, on the Sunday before Memorial Day, provided the weather is cooperative. 34 cars are entered, which means that one driver will be joining Cindric in the stands on race day.
(Yes, the track map on the series website is from last year. This is the sort of thing you can get away with when the layout hasn't changed in 115 years.)
Changes
Whilst the most anticipated change will not be going ahead, there are differences to both the technical and sporting regulations.
-The hybrid units are not ready, but the lighter bellhousing developed to compliment it is in place which represents a weight saving of around 30 pounds. This almost guarantees that the pole speed record will fall for a third consecutive year, although a big stretch would be needed to break the 237mph barrier and topple Luyendyk's absolute record.
-After a wheel from Kirkwood's car escaped the confines of the track during last year's race, a new rear suspension upright has been mandated, as well as larger retaining nuts for the uprights on all 4 corners.
-The track has been slightly modified, with a new catchfence on the inside of turn 3 and a new SAFER/concrete wall on the inside of the short chute between turns 3 and 4, with the SAFER extending around the inside of turn 4 as well. New foam has also been installed inside all existing SAFER barriers.
-The 'dragon' has been banned, with drivers no longer allowed to race below the inside line on the exit of turn 4.
-A restart line was introduced at all races following the less-than-exemplary display of standards at last season's finale, and IMS is not an exception. Drivers must pass this line before attempting to overtake on restarts.
Entrants
Spoiler:
Schedule (all times EDT)
Spoiler:
