The NTT IndyCar Series has released updated guidelines that will be implemented surrounding the possible use of a substitute driver for this year’s Indianapolis 500.
The new rules appear to be aimed specifically at drivers who are attempting to compete in the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 on the same day.
Specifically, they allow for a replacement veteran driver to be named ahead of time and outline how that driver is allowed to prepare for their potential substitute role in the event.
Kyle Larson is making his second attempt at ‘the double’ this year, and plans to race with Arrow McLaren in Indianapolis before flying to Charlotte and competing with Hendrick Motorsports later that same afternoon.
Arrow McLaren has previously announces its intention to have Team Principal and experienced veteran Tony Kanaan be available in case he needs to step into the car on race day.
The updated rules allow for Kanaan to be designated as a replacement driver ahead of the event because Larson is attempting to run in ‘another marquee event with the driver’s principal racing series on Indianapolis 500 Race Day.’
Kanaan will have to complete a refresher program on the first day of Indy 500 practice, just as rookies have to complete, and will not be able to drive in any other sessions until race day.
If the team chooses to put Kanaan in the car for the race, he will have to start from the rear of the field regardless of where Larson qualified the car.
Weather and timing
Last year, the Indy 500 was delayed due to weather. Larson completed the event and immediately traveled to Charlotte, but was not able to race in the NASCAR race due to the delay.
Arrow McLaren wanted to have Kanaan fill in for Larson once the weather delays were apparent, but IndyCar did not allow the substitution because he had not been in the car recently.
This year’s updates give the team a way to officially prepare for a similar situation, should weather once again affect the timing of the race and Larson chooses to abandon the first of his two races before it begins.
There appears to be no provisions added for a mid-race substitution, which continues to be against the series’ rules.
Full text of the new rules are as follows:
- A replacement driver will only be considered if the primary (entered) driver also is participating in another marquee event with the driver’s principal racing series on Indianapolis 500 Race Day.
- The INDYCAR-approved veteran replacement driver is eligible for and passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway refresher program in the entry during the first day of Indianapolis 500 practice.
- Additional tires for the refresher program will not be allowed for the Indianapolis 500 entry. The tire allotment for each entrant is 32 sets for the event. Any tires used for the refresher program will be taken from the allotted tires to that entry.
- During the refresher program, minimal setup changes will be allowed.
- After the replacement driver completes the required phases of the refresher program, additional laps during the session will not be permitted.
- Once INDYCAR is notified that a team will use its replacement driver for the Indianapolis 500, the entry’s qualified position is forfeited, and the car will start at the rear of the starting lineup and ordered according to Rule 8.1.8.6.
- A qualified driver, who is officially replaced by the team, may return and compete with that entry provided the replacement driver has not participated in a session other than the refresher program. The car’s starting position will remain at the rear of the field with the starting lineup ordered according to Rule 8.1.8.6.
