Indy officials still optimistic about 33-car field - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

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Indy officials still optimistic about 33-car field

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Simona de Silvestro in the pits during Sunday's practice.

INDIANAPOLIS -

IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard is optimistic this year's Indianapolis 500 will have its traditional 33-car starting grid.

He's also willing to lend a helping hand to make sure of it.

Bernard tells The Associated Press his priority is making sure there is a full field for the May 27 race.

It's a hot topic around the Brickyard's historic 2.5-mile oval. Jay Penske's team has filed a lawsuit against engine-manufacturer Lotus and is trying to cut a deal to put engines in two cars. Without those cars, Indy's entry list has only 31 driver-car combinations.

Another potential complication: Former Formula One driver Jean Alesi hasn't yet passed his rookie test.

Most, including A.J. Foyt, believe things will work out and Bernard is promising to help any way he can.

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