IndyCar working on fixing point system gimmicks

One by one Jay Frye is trying to fix IndyCar issues

IndyCar is considering an overhaul of the qualifying points system at the Indianapolis 500 according to David Malsher of Autosport.

At present all 33 Indy 500 qualifiers earn points, starting with 42 for the polesitter.

That compares to the usual single point for pole at other races.

It also means Indy qualifying positions are worth comparable amounts to race results elsewhere – with for instance second on the grid at Indy getting 40 points and finishing second in anything other than the double-points races worth 40.

That discrepancy is something IndyCar's president of competition and operations Jay Frye admits he is not happy with.

"With qualifying points so high, and then double-points in the race, you're offering two-and-a-half times our regular points," he told Autosport.

"I don't think Indy needs that.

"So there's a time and a place for evaluating different options, and that's what's going on right now. It's a work in progress."

The Indy 500 scoring double points has grudgingly been accepted by drivers over the years, but IndyCar faces regular criticism for artificially keeping the championship alive by offering double points in the season finale as well as for the extreme points distribution in Indy qualifying.

Frye implied there are also advocates for maintaining the current system.

It's a polarizing topic, I must say," he added.

"I have a personal opinion on it and I'm kind of old school.

"I know there are a lot of elements that go into it, and I understand the opposing arguments.

"I'm working diligently to decide how to do it.

"I've come up with a few different ideas the past couple of years for qualifying and people present X, Y or Z scenarios as counter-arguments." David Malsher/Autosport