As we get closer to May, the debate rages on about how many cars/drivers/engines will be in the field for this year’s Indianapolis 500. At least 33 of each will be entered, and possibly as many as 35 cars/engines will be available.

Marshall Pruett recently did an interview for SPEED with all three engine manufacturers. Basically, Chevrolet is set to have 14 or 15 engines ready, Honda will have 14, and Lotus will have five or six ready to go.

In addition to the 26 full-time drivers this season, eight additional drivers for Indy are nearly set.

• Sebastian Saavedra – Andretti Autosport
• Ana Beatriz – Andretti Autosport
• Bryan Clauson – Sarah Fisher
• Townsend Bell – Schmidt Hamilton
• Buddy Rice – Ed Carpenter Racing
• Michel Jourdain – Rahal Letterman Lanigan
• Jean Alesi – Newman Haas
• Wade Cunningham – AJ Foyt

An interesting topic being thrown around now is what will happen with all of the extra engines after the 500? Speculation is that some teams could actually opt to switch manufacturers after Indy.

Provided there are no significant engine malfunctions in Sao Paulo, the Field of 33 should be set to go. Obviously having 35 cars would make Bump Day more exciting, but it depends on what drivers and teams step up, if the 35 engines are ready to go.

Every May, 32 drivers leave Indianapolis disappointed while one leaves forever changed. This year will be no exception.