Yes and No... Bracket race unless you are laddered up against another car in your class, then it's heads up.Normally the index is for qualifying, and isn't a problem except at INDY where 160 cars show up, and only 128 race. You can either qualify into the 128 car field, or you can win class and bump the low #128 car. Want a gaurenteed spot in the Eliminations? Build a car now one runs in, win class and you are in. Most AH cars do not care about anything other then the shootout.