History and tradition are two things that are pivotal to the glamour of crown jewel races.

 

But IndyCar’s marquee event may be losing one of its more captivating attractions, as the series looks into a new membership system, one that could see guaranteed Indianapolis 500 entries for full-time teams.

 

The Fastest 33 would be no more in favour of stability and a more attractive bargaining chip for sponsors, recalling memories of the old “25-8” rule from the days of the Indy Racing League, though with it having a different motive.

 

While this isn’t something that I agree with, I understand the business side and this move could be a boon for the sport and keep the lights on, money coming into the teams and people employed, which is important considering the current costs of motorsports operations.

 

A change like this would come with IndyCar’s hands effectively tied and a double-edged sword in its grasp.

The Indy 500 and its reputation was partially built on that risk and pressure of no guaranteed entry. With the prestige of the event bringing in multiple single race entries just for the dance, this keeps the big boys on their toes knowing that one bad run, one mistake, could mean you’re at home come race day and not lining up for the green flag and gives those starting from the outside a way in.

 

While it will still carry the mantra of being the greatest spectacle in racing, there is a possible argument to be made of that level of unpredictability that comes with it being diminished.

 

If you were to have this applied to this year, you get a split of 27 and six. With the possibility of only 22 or 23 guaranteed spots, that leaves the remaining 10 to 11 open.

 

While this could provide similar or the same excitement as the Fastest 33, some may not find that as enthralling.

 

The current format gives everyone an even playing field, so to speak. Even though some of the single race entries may not have the facilities of the full-time teams, anything can happen in motorsports, meaning the door is wide open for upsets and crazy stories, like in 2023, where the three full time Rahal Letterman Lanigan cars were amongst the group trying to fight for the final spots.

 

Guaranteed entries all but removes that possibility from ever occurring again and changes how qualifying could go and how it will be approached.

 

Now look from the owner and series point of view.

 

IndyCar isn’t in the greatest of places right now, especially after an offseason that saw talks of Honda’s departure from the sport and the delay of the hybrid power unit that was to arrive at the beginning of the 2024 season.

 

On top of that, when you look at it, how many times would such an instance like the 2023 Bump Day arise, seeing as there are already less entries in this era than in many previous ones, with only 50 percent of the 500s in the last decade having more than 33 entrants.

 

The owners are looking for some stability, something to stand on and provide a consistent banner for sponsors to invest into and this could be it. Having a big team miss the race can be the difference between acquiring or losing the necessary funding.

 

This proposed membership, which draws inspiration from NASCAR, is something that should be beneficial for the sport.

 

Look at the Cup Series as an example. The charter system has provided a great platform and has allowed for new teams to enter like 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing and for others, like Spire Motorsports, to increase investment.

 

IndyCar needs to do something and like Pato O’Ward said, there needs to be change.

 

A new membership system may be one of the changes needed for the improvement of the sport, but its deviation from traditions will ruffle the feathers of fans.

 

A move like this is always going to be a damned if you do, damned of you don’t kind of decision.

 

Changing traditions of anything is always going to cause some uproar, even more so when it has the amount of history and prestige that the Indy 500 does.

 

In time, those like myself, that are lovers of tradition and history, will come around to the notion of guaranteed Indy 500 entries. If it is a consequence of creating a way for the series and teams to operate at the maximum potential without fear of layoffs, cost cutting and closure, and allows for the possibility for growth in the sport, it is one that we should embrace, no matter how much we may not like or agree with it.