Indy 500: 33-car field tradition will stand in 2018

Despite rumors that more than 33 drivers would compete in this year’s Indy 500, the tradition of a 33-car field will stand after all.

In both of the last two Indianapolis 500 races, 33 drivers were entered for qualifying. As a result, there was no bumping, as a 33-car field has been the tradition since 1934 and has only failed to be upheld when 35 drivers started the world-renowned IndyCar race in 1979 and 1997.

The last time there was bumping for an Indy 500 race was in 2015 when 34 drivers attempted to qualify and Buddy Lazier failed to make the field. There has not been more than one driver bumped out of the field since 42 drivers attempted to qualify for the 2011 Indy 500.

With this year’s Indy 500 shaping up to have more entrants than any Indy 500 since the 2011 Indy 500, there have been rumors that everyone who enters may get a chance to drive in the race, thus breaking the time-honored tradition of a 33-car field.

This, however, will not be the case, as 33 drivers, no more, no less, will take the green flag at the 102nd running of the Indy 500 this May.

And let’s be honest — was there ever any doubt?

Here is what IndyCar CEO Mark Miles had to say about this situation, according to USA Today.

"“Honestly, it never even occurred to us to go beyond 33. There will be qualifying, and there will be 33 cars…It’s one of the traditions. Eleven rows of three is a symbol of the event, a bit like milk for the champion. Exceptions have been very infrequent and due to special circumstances.”"