Indianapolis 500 drivers will get 15 chances to hit push-to-pass button on race day

Indy drivers will get 15 chances for speed boost

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis 500 starters will have 15 chances to use their push-to-pass button during Sunday’s race.

Brian Barnhart, the IndyCar Series president of competition and racing operations, told The Associated Press that the extra horsepower boost would last 18 seconds each time it is used and that it would take 10 seconds for the button to reset so it can be pushed again.

On Indianapolis’ long straightaways, the combination of drafting, all-out speed and the use of the push-to-pass button could have a huge impact come race day.

The button was introduced last August at Mid-Ohio and has been used at the series’ last 11 races. But it has never been used on Indy’s 2.5-mile oval.