Traditionally, the field consists of 33 starters, aligned in a starting grid of eleven rows of three cars apiece. The event is contested by "Indy cars '', a formula of professional - level, single - seat, open cockpit, open - wheel, purpose - built race cars. As of 2015, all entrants utilize 2.2 L V6, twin - turbocharged engines, tuned to produce a range of 550 -- 700 horsepower (410 -- 520 kW). Chevrolet and Honda are the current engine manufacturers involved in the sport. Firestone, which has a deep history in the sport, dating back to the first 500, is the exclusive tire provider.
what kind of cars race in the indy 500
"Indy cars '', a formula of professional - level, single - seat, open cockpit, open - wheel, purpose - built race cars