Does the IRL have provisionals?
The IRL does have a provisional system, but there are not nearly as many reserved positions as in NASCAR. Each IRL field, other than the Indy 500, has two provisional positions. (There are no provisionals at Indy.) A priority system exists for determining who is eligible for provisionals, and it goes like this: • Last year’s series champion. • Previous series champions, in order of most recent to least recent. Note, however, that only 1 provisional per race may be awarded to drivers in this category. • Most recent Indy 500 winner. • Drivers currently in the top 20 in drivers’ points (not entrant points) in order from highest to lowest. • Remaining cars in order of qualifying speed. If priority falls to this level, all entered drivers (except those that have used up their provisionals) are eligible. No driver may claim a provisional more than two times per year. There are no additional provisionals for the top teams, and no separate champion’s exemption.
