Background
Since the first Indy 500 in 1911, all cars have been required to qualify for the race, based on speed. Since 1939, the pole position has been determined by 4-lap (10-mile) qualifying time trials. Each car takes to the track one at a time to establish a qualifying speed. This format differs from traditional road racing qualifying, where many cars might be on the track in an "open qualifying" session. It also differs from most other oval races where qualifying speed is based on one single "hot" lap. From the onset, the theory was that the cars could perform their fastest alone on the track, without the challenge of others cars possibly blocking the way, or impeding their performance.
In most years since 1952, there have been four days of time trials scheduled. The fastest qualifier on the first day (or first complete round) of qualifying wins the pole position. If a driver records a speed faster than that of the pole position winner on a subsequent day (or subsequent round) he does not win the pole position, but instead lines up behind the previous day's qualifiers. Subsequent to 1914, the last year of qualifications not determining the starting grid order, 16 occasions have seen the pole position-winning entry not recording the fastest overall qualifying speed.
Ironically in modern times, cars can actually drive faster with other cars on the track due to drafting. Nearly every unofficial practice speed record has been achieved with the aid of a tow.
Read more about this topic: List Of Indianapolis 500 Pole-sitters
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