RACER’s first look at the entry list for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 has identified 18 Chevy-powered entries, 16 Honda-powered submissions, and 34 cars set to vie for 33 starting spots reserved for the May 25 race.
The unofficial roster is comprised of 27 full-time IndyCar Series entries plus seven Indy-only additions.
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AJ Foyt Racing, which has a long history of running additional cars for the 500, is sticking with its two primary entries. The same approach is being taken by Chip Ganassi Racing, which ran five last year but is holding firm to its three season-long cars. Dale Coyne Racing had options to run a third car, but says it’s planning on two, and Juncos Hollinger Racing was close to entering a third car but tells RACER it will also remain at two.
Abel Motorsports received inquiries about fielding its car for a paying driver, but team owner Bill Abel intends to spend the month of May in his son’s pit box at Dale Coyne Racing and support the rookie as he tries to make the show.
Bryan Herta Autosport is also understood to have been contacted by one or more interested parties and has explored a range of options, but the 2011 Indy 500-winning team is going to skip this year’s race and aim towards making a return in 2026.
Outside the 34, the only significant effort that’s been in the works belongs to Katherine Legge, who’s been actively searching for a chassis to utilize.
Chevy has confirmed to RACER that its order book is full at 18 cars, leaving Honda as the manufacturer to accommodate a 35th entry for Legge if it were to materialize.
