Most national events don’t have the maximum sized field of cars(128), so they end up being “all run”, with qualifying just setting up the pairings/ladder.
But Indy basically always has more than 128 people show up........ so, if you’re not quick enough to be one of the top 128....... you’re a spectator.
I hadn't thought of that, all of the National events I race in stock were out west in division 7, but that was back before 1989
I do remember hearing about NHRA limiting the racers on Sunday at Indy, class winners and the rest were the fastest cars in their classes racing on Sunday if they hadn't won their class: work:
