IMS chief defends schedule changes

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The head of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is defending a schedule change for next May. On the calendar it looks like a whole week is gone, but CEO Jeff Belskus said, in reality, they're not losing much track activity.

The Speedway will open May 15, next year and go to a two-day qualifying format. Belskus said fans will appreciate the changes.

Race fans gather, regularly, at McGilvrey's pub on the west side for the AutoSportRadio.com show. Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus discussed the new schedule changes with host Don Kay.

"The world has changed and we need to change and we are changing," said Belskus. "It's only one fewer day of track activity. While it's two less qualifying days, it's 12 days of track activity versus, previously, it was 13 days of track activity."

Belskus said the new format inserts intensity by eliminating the old days of inactivity between sessions at the Speedway.

"This format you're assured that that qualifying weekend it's gonna be non-stop action," he said.

Racing Analyst Derek Daly said the change might actually enhance the drama of qualifying weekend. It also means the 500 no longer has the funding for the race as we know it.

"I think this decision is purely driven by the financial numbers," said Daly.

He said that's sad because the 500 was gaining momentum before the recession.