INDIANAPOLIS – In the not-so-distant past, rookie orientation was typically saved for the Month of May. But, as customary the last few of years now, INDYCAR is once allowing the rookie drivers to complete the three phases ahead of time. That way, when practice officially opens next month, they can just hit the ground running and not be slowed down by needing to still go through their phases.

So, what is this and what needs to be done.

Last year had seven rookies. This year, it’s only four with Agustin Canapino (Juncos Hollinger Racing), Sting Ray Robb (Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing), Benjamin Pedersen (AJ Foyt Racing) and RC Enerson (Abel Motorsports).

Phase 1 requires a driver to complete 10 laps at speeds between 205-210 mph. Phase 2 requires a driver to complete 15 more laps at speeds between 210-215 mph. The final stage, Phase 3, requires a driver to complete 15 laps at speeds over 215 mph.

---

Here’s the ROP rule:

Indianapolis 500® Mile Race Eligibility
A Driver is only eligible to be a Rookie Driver in the Indianapolis 500® Mile Race if the Driver has not participated in a prior Indianapolis 500® Mile Race.
ROP – Successful completion of ROP at another Race Location and/or participation in an on-Track Event may satisfy this requirement for the Indianapolis 500® Mile Race. INDYCAR shall hold a mandatory Driver and team manager meeting prior to the beginning of the ROP session. At this meeting, INDYCAR will announce the speed phases and other requirements for the ROP. In addition to Car control, placement and interaction with other Cars on-Track to the satisfaction of INDYCAR, the ROP shall consist of three phases, totaling 40 laps. The laps do not have to be consecutive.
Rookie Drivers must successfully complete a minimum of two of the three phases to be eligible to participate in practice when practice for the Event begins or have these requirements waived by INDYCAR. No Rookie Driver will be eligible for a Qualifications attempt prior to completing the final phase.

---

Then you have the veteran refresher program. These drivers are ones that haven’t raced on an oval since last year’s Indy 500 and in order for them to pass, they have to finish the final two phases of the ROP program.

---

Here’s the rule:

“If a Driver has not participated in an oval Event in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since the prior year’s
Indianapolis 500® Mile Race, INDYCAR will determine if any additional testing shall be required. In addition to Car control, placement and interaction with other Cars on-Track to the satisfaction of INDYCAR, the refresher test consists of the 30 laps that make up the second and third phases of the ROP. No such Driver will be eligible for a Qualifications attempt prior to completing the refresher test.”

---

Last year you had Marco Andretti, Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Kanaan, Santino Ferrucci and Sage Karam competing in it. This year, it’s Andretti (Andretti Autosport), Kanaan (Arrow McLaren), Katherine Legge (Rahal/Letterman/Lanigan Racing) and both Dreyer & Reinbold Racing drivers (Ryan Hunter-Reay and Stefan Wilson).

We’ve had just 4 part time winners win this race since the turn of the century with the last 3 being in “1” numbered years (2001, 2011, 2021). We’ve also had just 3 rookie winners since 1967 too. So, while the odds are long for someone on this list to win, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities too.

Still, that’s 9 of the 34 drivers having to complete these courses in order to become Indy 500 eligible.