The Indianapolis 500 will now only earn 50 points

The double stake won by the winner of the Indianapolis 500 is no more. For the coming season, the legendary event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will only earn 50 points… compared to 100 for previous editions. This was part of the multiple traditions surrounding the event. An honorary reward for a meeting belonging to the Triple Crown, with the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but which was often contested by the drivers and teams of the car U.S.. 

« For 17 consecutive seasons, the outcome of the championshipIndyCar Series was decided at the last meeting, Jay Frye, president of the competition, told the teams. Double points at the Indy 500 have never altered the result of a championship over time, it could have had a negative effect on the final positions of the teams. As our number of participants increases, this decision will provide more stability in championship positions without diminishing the importance of the “greatest spectacle in motor racing”. »

With a grid of 33 cars, the drivers who did not achieve a good result during the Indianapolis 500 still found themselves at a disadvantage for the rest of the competition. Now the clocks are reset to 50.

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