The Indianapolis 500 is steeped in a century of tradition with rules and regulations, pomp and pageantry that have remained largely unchanged since 1911.

The fastest 33 cars compete in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and drivers unable to make the cut watch from the sidelines. James Hinchcliffe, a series regular and one of IndyCar’s most popular drivers, didn’t qualify last year and thus began a debate about the fairness in sending full-time teams home from the biggest race of the year.