THERMAL, Calif. — Most of the drivers in the NTT IndyCar Series have lobbied for the series to do away with double points at the Indianapolis 500.
IndyCar officials granted their wish Thursday night in an owners meeting at The Thermal Club — site of IndyCar’s “Spring Training” Open Test.
The annual preseason owners meeting was held after Thursday’s first session of testing. That is when team owners were informed by IndyCar Series management that, beginning this season, single points will be awarded for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
The change comes after a review of the double points system, first used in 2014.
Over the years, the rule has proven to overly penalize full-time championship teams that have performed poorly in the “500.”
“For 17 consecutive seasons, the NTT IndyCar Series championship has been decided in the final race of the season,” IndyCar Series President Jay Frye said. “While double points at the Indianapolis 500 has not altered who won the season-long championship, occasionally it has had a negative effect on the final position of the full-time teams. As our entry list grows, this move will provide consistency for teams competing for championship positions while not diminishing the importance of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'”
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles believes there already is plenty of prestige in claiming the victory in the Indianapolis 500 and that it doesn’t need additional “bonus” points.
“For over 100 years, the Indianapolis 500 has been the pinnacle of motorsports,” Boles said. “From the pre-race festivities, to drinking milk in Victory Lane to adding the champion’s likeness to the famed Borg-Warner Trophy, its rich traditions have made it a prestigious annual event.
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway supports the change by IndyCar to enhance the integrity of the NTT IndyCar Series championship.”