With reports of Ryan Briscoe filling in for the injured James Hinchcliffe in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, questions and rumors have been flying around as to what Briscoe’s starting position will be. To determine that, we need to look at a few things, and the 2015 INDYCAR Rulebook.
First, Tristan Vautier qualified the Number 19 car 21st on Sunday. This car will be driven during the race by James Davison, who should be moved to the 33rd position per Rule 8.1.8.6:
8.1.8.6. If after qualifications and prior to the start of a Race, a Car has had its qualifications time, and/or original starting grid position disallowed, INDYCAR shall assign the Car a revised starting grid position at the rear of the starting field based on the following order:
a. Provisional starting Cars;
b. Unapproved Engine change;
c. Technical violations;
d. Competition violation; and
e. Substitute starting Driver.
This would push everyone from 22 to 33 up a position. Since Hinchcliffe qualified 24th on Sunday, that would move him into the 23rd spot.
With Hinchcliffe’s accident on Monday, Rule 8.4.3.9 would kick in:
8.4.3.9. If a Qualified Car is involved in a crash, the Entrant may replace the Qualified Car with another Car and shall start the Race in the Qualified Car’s position. If a Qualified Car is unable to start the Race for any other reason, INDYCAR shall determine if the Entrant is permitted to replace the Qualified Car with another Car and start the Race in the Qualified Car’s position or if the Entrant is required to start the Race from the rear of the starting field.
If Hinchcliffe were cleared to drive, he would be able to do so, in a backup car, in the 23rd position, provided Rule 8.1.8.6 was not violated.
With Ryan Briscoe jumping into the driver’s seat, they violate Rule 8.1.8.6, just as James Davison did so all drivers previously in positions 24 through 32 have moved up one spot and Briscoe moves to the back of the field – but not all the way back. Based on the INDYCAR rulebook, due to entrant points going into the event, Briscoe starts 32nd and Davison 33rd.
