Will the Indy 500 have 33 cars?

From the Indy Star:
Question: How many cars will compete in the IRL in 2006? Hope for more in 2007? (Ken from Yuba City, Calif.)

Curt Cavin: It would be a guess at this point, but senior IRL officials are confident there will be 33. I only count 16 for the regular season at this point, and while another one or two might materialize, that's still four or five fewer than ran most of last season. So, I'd expect at least a half-dozen or so fewer at Indy than last year, which puts the count at about 26 or 27. I'll have to see the rest to believe it.

AutoRacing1.com Prediction: Honda and/or Tony George will write checks to ensure a full 33 car grid.