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Indy 500: Selected Rules and Fuel & Engine Specifications and Restrictions

Year Fuel Limit
(Gal.) Min.
Speed Norm.
Aspir.
(Cu. In.) Supercharged
Turbocharged
(Cu. In.) Stock-Block
(Cu. In.) Other Rules and Regulations
1911 None 75 mph 600 None 600 Two-man cars optional
1912 None 75 mph 600 None 600 Two-man cars
1913 None 75 mph 450 None 450 Two-man cars
1914 None 75 mph 450 None 450 Two-man cars
1915 None 80 mph 300 None 300 Two-man cars
1916 None 80 mph 300 None 300 Two-man cars
1919 None 80 mph 300 None 300 Two-man cars
1920 None 80 mph 183 None 183 Two-man cars
1921 None 80 mph 183 None 183 Two-man cars
1922 None 80 mph 183 None 183 Two-man cars
1923 None 80 mph 122 None 122 Two-man cars optional
1924 None 80 mph 122 122 122 Two-man cars optional
1925 None 80 mph 122 122 122 Two-man cars optional
1926 None 90 mph 91.5 91.5 91.5 Two-man cars optional
1927 None 90 mph 91.5 91.5 91.5 Two-man cars optional
1928 None 90 mph 91.5 91.5 91.5 Two-man cars optional
1929 None 90 mph 91.5 91.5 91.5 Two-man cars optional
1930 None 85 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars; 366 Diesel
1931 None 90 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars
1932 None 100 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars
1933 None 100 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars; 366 Diesel
1934 2.5 qual, 45 race 100 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars
1935 2.5 qual, 52.9 race 100 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars
Crash helmets req'd
1936 37.5 race 100 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars
rookie test req'd
1937 None 105 mph 366 366 366 Two-man cars
1938 None 110 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6 Two-man cars optional
1939 None 110 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1940 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1941 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1946 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1947 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1948 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1949 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1950 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6 401 Diesel
1951 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1952 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6 401 Diesel
1953 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1954 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1955 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1956 None 115 mph 274.6 183.1 274.6
1957 None None 274.6 183.1 274.6
1958 None None 256.3 170.9 274.6
1959 None None 256.3 170.9 274.6 Fire resistant
driver suits req'd
1960 None None 256.3 170.9 274.6
1961 None None 256.3 170.9 274.6
1962 None None 256.3 170.9 274.6
1963 None None 256.3 170.9 274.6
1964 None None 256.3 170.9 274.6
1965 75 tank, 400 race None 256.3 170.9 256.3 2 pits stops required
Methanol fuel preferred
1966 75 tank, 400 race None 256.3 170.9 256.3
1967 75 tank, 400 race None 256.3 170.9 256.3 23 sq. in. AIA, Turbine
1968 75 tank, 400 race None 256.3 170.9 256.3 15.999 sq. in. AIA Turbine
1969 75 tank, 400 race None 256.3 161.7 305.1 NA 11.999 sq. in. AIA Turbine
1970 75 tank, 400 race None 256.3 161.7 305.1 NA 11.999 sq. in. AIA Turbine
1971 75 tank, 400 race None 256.3 161.7 355.1 NA
1972 75 tank, 400 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA 4 pit stops required
1973 75 tank, 400 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA
1974 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA 80 inHG
1975 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA 80 inHG
1976 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA 80 inHG
1977 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA 80 inHG
1978 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 80 inHG
1979 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 50 inHG qual, 70 inHG race
1980 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 48 inHG, 58 inHG StBlk
1981 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 48 inHG, 58 inHG StBlk
1982 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 48 inHG, 58 inHG StBlk
1983 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1984 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1985 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1986 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1987 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 355.1 NA, 209.3 TC 47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1988 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1989 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1990 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1991 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1992 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
100 mph pit road speed limit
1993 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
100 mph pit road speed limit
1994 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
100 mph pit road speed limit
1995 40 tank, 280 race None 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
100 mph pit road speed limit
1996 40 tank, 280 race 220 mph* 274.6 161.7 390 NA, 209.3 TC 45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
100 mph pit road speed limit
Minimum age 18
1997 35 tank, 280 race 203 mph* 244.1 (4.0 L) None 244.1 (4.0 L) 10,500 rpm (rev limiter)
100 mph pit road speed limit
1998 35 tank, 280 race None 244.1 (4.0 L) None 244.1 (4.0 L) 10,500 rpm (rev limiter)
?? pit road speed limit
1999 35 tank, 280 race None 244.1 (4.0 L) None 244.1 (4.0 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
?? pit road speed limit
2000 35 tank, 280 race None 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,700 rpm (rev limiter)
80 mph pit road speed limit
2001 35 tank, 280 race None 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,700 rpm (rev limiter)
80 mph pit road speed limit
HANS device optional
2002 35 tank, 280 race None 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,700 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
2003 35 tank, 280 race 218 mph* 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
35 sets of tires for the entire month
2004 30 tank, 280 race N/A 183.1 (3.0 L) None 183.1 (3.0 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
35 sets of tires for the entire month
2005 30 tank, 280 race N/A 183.1 (3.0 L) None 183.1 (3.0 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
35 sets of tires for the entire month
2006 30 tank, 280 race N/A 183.1 (3.0 L) None 183.1 (3.0 L) 90% methanol/10% ethanol fuel blend
10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
35 sets of tires for the entire month
2007 22 tank, 280 race N/A 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend
35 sets of tires for the entire month
HANS Device mandatory
2008 22 tank, 280 race N/A 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend
35 sets of tires for the entire month
HANS Device mandatory
Paddle shifters
2009 22 tank, 280 race N/A 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend
35 sets of tires for the entire month
HANS Device mandatory
122" wheelbase only

2010 22 tank, 280 race N/A 213.6 (3.5 L) None 213.6 (3.5 L) 10,300 rpm (rev limiter)
60 mph pit road speed limit
98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend
33 sets of tires for the entire month
HANS Device mandatory
15 "Push-to-Pass" activations

Notes

During the 1964 race, Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald were involved in a firery fatal crash. The accident prompted officials to consider banning gasoline and implementing rules requiring the use of methanol. Methanol burns invisible, and is easily extinguished by water. For 1965, officials urged teams to use methanol, but did not require it outright. In order to encourage the use of methanol, USAC required a minimum of two pits stops during the race. The rule favored the use of methanol, which produced a slightly better mileage than gasoline. Most teams made the switch. Shortly thereafter, methanol became the only allowed fuel in the race.

In 1996, all chassis were 1994 or 1995 model year chassis. In an effort to reduce costs in the newly founded Indy Racing League, rules were kept essentially the same as 1995, basically allowing any cars that were allowed in 1995 to enter. Hence, 1996 model year chassis (used in the CART series) were not approved.

In 1997, the new generation IRL chassis & normally aspirated engine formula was introduced. Therefore, all cars entered were new model year chassis and engine combinations. Any previous car combination were no longer approved and could not be "grandfathered in."

From 1996-1997 the minimum speed was specifically for the 25 IRL reserved starting spots, not necessarily overall.

In 2003, a new generation of chassis and engines were introduced. Therefore all cars entered were new year model chassis. "Grandfathering" of older chassis was not allowed.

In 2003, the officials implemented an new optional rule that required all cars to qualify within 94% of the fastest qualifier. The required speed in that case, was approximately 218 mph. The rule can be put into effect if the officials deem necessary, however, it must be announced prior to the start of qualifying.

In 2006, the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series began phasing in the use of ethanol, a renewable fuel. For 2006, cars were to utilize a 90% methanol/10% ethanol blend. Starting in 2007, the league switched to what was advertised as a "100% ethanol blend." In reality, it was a mixture of 98% ethanol, and 2% unleaded gasoline. Gasoline was added to fulfill the federal requirement that the fuel be unfit for human consumption. During off season testing, league officials determined that the use of ethanol resulted in a loss of horsepower and subsequent rise in fuel mileage, and adjusted the size of the fuel tank on board the car from 30 gallons to 22 gallons. To adjust for the loss in power, the engine displacement was increased to 3.5 liters, a specification that had been used from 2000-2003.

Starting around 2006 through 2009, Honda became the lone engine supplier for the IndyCar Series. In an effort to control costs, and limit the miles put on an engine (to prevent expensive failures), a criteria for the Honda engines leases at the Indy 500 were firmly established. A full-time team running the entire month (referred to by the general term as a "two-week lease" or a "full-month lease") is provided with two motors (roughly $225,000 as of 2009) with a maximum of 1,200 miles allowed on each engine. The first motor is used for practice and qualifying. After qualifying is over, just prior to Carb Day, a second engine is provided for Carb Day and race day. Also with a maximum of 1,200 miles, although it would not be possible to run out of miles on the second engine. For smaller teams, a "one-week lease" is also availible, at a discounted price (roughly $95,000 as of 2008). The team receives one motor and may run practice/qualifying of either the first or the second week, with a maximum of 1,200 miles total. That includes 600 miles for practice and qualifying, and the remaining 600 for Carb Day and race day.

In 2010, the schedule for practice and qualifying was compressed to a "two week" format. The engine lease rules were tweaked accordingly. Teams are allowed to chose the "full-month" lease or the "short month" lease. Entrants who chose the "full-month" ($150,000) are allowed 800 miles for practice and qualifying. Assuming they make the race, for an additional $60,000, they receive a fresh motor for Carb Day and race day. In addition, they were allowed 33 sets of tires for the month. Teams chosing the "short month" lease ($90,000) are allowed fewer miles (two days of practice only). They also can obtain a fresh motor for Card Day and race day for $60,000. The "short" teams were initially allowed 26 sets of tires, but during practice, officials changed the rule and allowed them the full 33 sets. Cars that qualify for the Top 9 "shootout" on pole day are allowed to have a new set of tires for the pole position attempt, and if they make two attempts during the shootout, they will receive two sets of tires.

The Honda overtake assist system ("Push-to-Pass") was adopted by the IndyCar Series on July 29, 2009, in time for the 2009 Meijer Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway. The system was first used at the Indianapolis 500 in 2010 on race day only. The system for Indy was programmed to provide a 200 rpm (roughly 5-20 hp) boost for a duration of 18 seconds; with 10 seconds required in between activations. Each car was given 15 activations for the race.

Year	Fuel Limit (Gal.)	Min. Speed	Norm. Aspir. (Cu. In.)	Supercharged Turbocharged (Cu. In.)	Stock-Block (Cu. In.)	Other Rules and Regulations
1911	None	75 mph	600	None	600	Two-man cars optional
1912	None	75 mph	600	None	600	Two-man cars
1913	None	75 mph	450	None	450	Two-man cars
1914	None	75 mph	450	None	450	Two-man cars
1915	None	80 mph	300	None	300	Two-man cars
1916	None	80 mph	300	None	300	Two-man cars
1919	None	80 mph	300	None	300	Two-man cars
1920	None	80 mph	183	None	183	Two-man cars
1921	None	80 mph	183	None	183	Two-man cars
1922	None	80 mph	183	None	183	Two-man cars
1923	None	80 mph	122	None	122	Two-man cars optional
1924	None	80 mph	122	122	122	Two-man cars optional
1925	None	80 mph	122	122	122	Two-man cars optional
1926	None	90 mph	91.5	91.5	91.5	Two-man cars optional
1927	None	90 mph	91.5	91.5	91.5	Two-man cars optional
1928	None	90 mph	91.5	91.5	91.5	Two-man cars optional
1929	None	90 mph	91.5	91.5	91.5	Two-man cars optional
1930	None	85 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars; 366 Diesel
1931	None	90 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars
1932	None	100 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars
1933	None	100 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars; 366 Diesel
1934	2.5 qual, 45 race	100 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars
1935	2.5 qual, 52.9 race	100 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars Crash helmets req'd
1936	37.5 race	100 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars rookie test req'd
1937	None	105 mph	366	366	366	Two-man cars
1938	None	110 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6	Two-man cars optional
1939	None	110 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1940	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1941	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1946	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1947	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1948	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1949	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1950	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6	401 Diesel
1951	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1952	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6	401 Diesel
1953	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1954	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1955	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1956	None	115 mph	274.6	183.1	274.6
1957	None	None	274.6	183.1	274.6
1958	None	None	256.3	170.9	274.6
1959	None	None	256.3	170.9	274.6	Fire resistant driver suits req'd
1960	None	None	256.3	170.9	274.6
1961	None	None	256.3	170.9	274.6
1962	None	None	256.3	170.9	274.6
1963	None	None	256.3	170.9	274.6
1964	None	None	256.3	170.9	274.6
1965	75 tank, 400 race	None	256.3	170.9	256.3	2 pits stops required Methanol fuel preferred
1966	75 tank, 400 race	None	256.3	170.9	256.3
1967	75 tank, 400 race	None	256.3	170.9	256.3	23 sq. in. AIA, Turbine
1968	75 tank, 400 race	None	256.3	170.9	256.3	15.999 sq. in. AIA Turbine
1969	75 tank, 400 race	None	256.3	161.7	305.1 NA	11.999 sq. in. AIA Turbine
1970	75 tank, 400 race	None	256.3	161.7	305.1 NA	11.999 sq. in. AIA Turbine
1971	75 tank, 400 race	None	256.3	161.7	355.1 NA
1972	75 tank, 400 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA	4 pit stops required
1973	75 tank, 400 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA
1974	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA	80 inHG
1975	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA	80 inHG
1976	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA	80 inHG
1977	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA	80 inHG
1978	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	80 inHG
1979	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	50 inHG qual, 70 inHG race
1980	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	48 inHG, 58 inHG StBlk
1981	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	48 inHG, 58 inHG StBlk
1982	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	48 inHG, 58 inHG StBlk
1983	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1984	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1985	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1986	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1987	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	355.1 NA, 209.3 TC	47 inHG, 57 inHG StBlk
1988	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1989	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1990	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1991	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk
1992	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk 100 mph pit road speed limit
1993	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk 100 mph pit road speed limit
1994	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk 100 mph pit road speed limit
1995	40 tank, 280 race	None	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk 100 mph pit road speed limit
1996	40 tank, 280 race	220 mph*	274.6	161.7	390 NA, 209.3 TC	45 inHG, 55 inHG StBlk 100 mph pit road speed limit Minimum age 18
1997	35 tank, 280 race	203 mph*	244.1 (4.0 L)	None	244.1 (4.0 L)	10,500 rpm (rev limiter) 100 mph pit road speed limit
1998	35 tank, 280 race	None	244.1 (4.0 L)	None	244.1 (4.0 L)	10,500 rpm (rev limiter) ?? pit road speed limit
1999	35 tank, 280 race	None	244.1 (4.0 L)	None	244.1 (4.0 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) ?? pit road speed limit
2000	35 tank, 280 race	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,700 rpm (rev limiter) 80 mph pit road speed limit
2001	35 tank, 280 race	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,700 rpm (rev limiter) 80 mph pit road speed limit HANS device optional
2002	35 tank, 280 race	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,700 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit
2003	35 tank, 280 race	218 mph*	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 35 sets of tires for the entire month
2004	30 tank, 280 race	N/A	183.1 (3.0 L)	None	183.1 (3.0 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 35 sets of tires for the entire month
2005	30 tank, 280 race	N/A	183.1 (3.0 L)	None	183.1 (3.0 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 35 sets of tires for the entire month
2006	30 tank, 280 race	N/A	183.1 (3.0 L)	None	183.1 (3.0 L)	90% methanol/10% ethanol fuel blend 10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 35 sets of tires for the entire month
2007	22 tank, 280 race	N/A	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend 35 sets of tires for the entire month HANS Device mandatory
2008	22 tank, 280 race	N/A	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend 35 sets of tires for the entire month HANS Device mandatory Paddle shifters
2009	22 tank, 280 race	N/A	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend 35 sets of tires for the entire month HANS Device mandatory 122" wheelbase only
2010	22 tank, 280 race	N/A	213.6 (3.5 L)	None	213.6 (3.5 L)	10,300 rpm (rev limiter) 60 mph pit road speed limit 98% ethanol/2% gasoline fuel blend 33 sets of tires for the entire month HANS Device mandatory 15 "Push-to-Pass" activations