34th entry received for Indy 500 – Lazier enters own car
The entry adds a fourth winner of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" to the potential starting field, as Lazier joins three-time winners Dario Franchitti and Helio Castroneves and 2008 winner Scott Dixon.
Lazier Partners' entry was the 34th for this year's race, which will breed competition for the 33 starting spots during Pole Day qualifying Saturday, May 18 and Old National Armed Forces Bump Day qualifying Sunday, May 19.
The 97th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to start at noon (ET) Sunday, May 26. ESPN on ABC, the IMS Radio Network and SiriusXM 211 will begin their live broadcasts at 11 a.m.
Lazier, from Vail, Colo., will drive the No. 91 Lazier Partners Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone. No backup car was entered. The team owner is Lazier's father, 1981 Indianapolis 500 veteran Bob Lazier.
2000 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Lazier last raced in the "500" in 2008, qualifying 32nd and finishing 17th in a Hemelgarn Johnson Racing entry. He failed to qualify in 2009.
Lazier, 45, becomes the senior driver in this year's field in age and experience. He has made 16 previous starts at Indianapolis, with five top-five finishes. Lazier produced five consecutive top-seven finishes from 1996-2000, including the victory in 1996 and runner-up finishes in 1998 and 2000.