[ronmil]

I noticed that the early hours of qualifying on Saturday and Sunday are on WATCH ESPN. I Googled and found that this is internet coverage. Doesn't seem like a very good way to expand the fan base. The coverage later in the day is on ABC TV, as in the past. Noticed also that Sunday is being called Pole Day. Another change! I called the Speedway and the person I spoke with didn't know why the TV coverage was changed. Oh, one more thing, (in my best Columbo voice) at the end of the Angie's list Grand Prix it was shown on the screen, and announced, that ABC would be covering the Indy 500 live on May 25th. Hope they check their calendars; won't be many cars on the track on the 25th!

[jjones752]

Pole day was Sunday last year too; they qualified everyone on Saturday, then (if I remember correctly) everyone but the top nine went back out on Sunday to set positions 10-33 and they did the fast nine shootout for the pole to end the festivities.
I'm as big a traditionalist as anyone but I think that in this modern era with only one car in danger of being bumped that something needed to be done to keep the suspense level up. Last years' Fast Nine was pretty exciting, and made more so by saving it until the end.

[ronmil]

Originally Posted by jjones752 Pole day was Sunday last year too; they qualified everyone on Saturday, then (if I remember correctly) everyone but the top nine went back out on Sunday to set positions 10-33 and they did the fast nine shootout for the pole to end the festivities. I'm as big a traditionalist as anyone but I think that in this modern era with only one car in danger of being bumped that something needed to be done to keep the suspense level up. Last years' Fast Nine was pretty exciting, and made more so by saving it until the end.

Yes, you are right in all categories. I still consider Saturday the day to be there and will act accordingly.