The 108th edition of the Indianapolis 500 is nearing completion of its list of participants. As IndyCar’s 10 full-time teams compile their season-long entries for the Indy 500, 27 spots have already been filled. With the maximum starting grid size set at 33 cars, there are six remaining positions to be filled before the possibility of bumping arises. Unfortunately, this means that at least two entries will experience disappointment as they fail to qualify for one of the available starting positions.
Among the full-time teams with additional entries, Andretti Global is preparing the No. 98 Honda for Marco Andretti. Arrow McLaren, on the other hand, has secured high-profile Indy-only entry for NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson, who will drive the No. 17 Hendrick-McLaren Chevy. Ed Carpenter Racing will expand its presence with another Chevy-powered car for Christian Rasmussen, the 2023 Indy NXT champion.
Meyer Shank Racing is readying the No. 06 Honda for four-time Indy winner Helio Castroneves. Lastly, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, which has yet to announce the driver for its additional entry, is expected to have Takuma Sato, the 2020 Indy 500 winner, back for the month of May.
Including the main full-time teams with their 27 yearlong cars and five extra entries, the list already stands at 32 before factoring in the Indy-only cars.
Adding to the total, Abel Motorsports, which made its Indy 500 debut in 2023 with RC Enerson, will return with the Floridian in the same No. 50 Chevy that surprised the series by easily qualifying for the race. Additionally, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has formed a new alliance with Cusick Motorsports, resulting in its strongest lineup to date. Conor Daly and Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay will lead the Dreyer & Reinbold-Cusick Motorsports program in the Nos. 23 and 24 Chevys.
With 35 entries, a minimum of two cars will be eliminated from the field after qualifying. There is a possibility of the overall car count increasing to 36, but time is running out.
A.J. Foyt Racing has been the focus of interest from drivers and co-entrants for months. However, the team has yet to secure a deal that meets its financial requirements. According to team president Larry Foyt, the opportunity for someone to claim the team’s third entry, which would be the 36th for the event, will remain open, but not for much longer.
Several drivers, including Indy NXT front runner Nolan Siegel, Stefan Wilson, JR Hildebrand, and Katherine Legge, have expressed interest in securing Indy-only rides.
Another possibility for landing a seat at Indy has been mentioned with Dale Coyne Racing. If a compelling driver emerges, the team’s engine partner, Honda, is open to the idea. However, Dale Coyne has made it clear to his team that running an additional car is not a priority for 2024, as confirmed by team manager Mitch Davis.
Unless Dale Coyne Racing changes its plans and adds a third car, all eyes will be on the Foyt team and its third entry as the last opportunity to join the series’ biggest event. The final question for the upcoming Indy 500 is whether two or three drivers will find themselves unable to participate after the completion of time trials on Sunday, May 19.
According to the Source racer.com