Indy 500 grid positions P13 to P33 defined

Saturday's Indianapolis qualifying session was closed early because of rain and thunderstorms moving into the area. The seven-hour activity began with near-perfect cool, cloudy conditions, and those who were able to get their laps in early benefited greatly.

Rinus VeeKay was the second driver to do his four-lap qualifying effort and managed to record the fastest average time of the day at 233.655 MPH. The Arrow McLaren SP duo, Pato O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist, also managed to run early and took second and third place.

The drivers racing later in the day were greeted with sunny skies and a fast warm-up track that soon proved too slippery to allow any of the top speeds to be matched.

The full peloton was able to make an attempt except for Stefan Wilson, whose drivetrain was damaged in morning practice when the team set up the gearbox incorrectly, necessitating an engine swap.

The drivers at the bottom of the timing board began preparing to make their second qualifying attempts in hopes of moving into the top 12 to advance to Sunday's pole race.

Then, at around 2:30 pm local time, track action was halted due to raindrops falling on the track and lightning in the area. The weather improved after a short period of time, and two drivers were able to make second attempts, Scott McLaughlin and Sage Karam, and more rain entered the area once again.

Drivers who were waiting in line to make another qualifying attempt at the expense of the first were allowed to keep their original time and position. An advancing cold front kept the cars off the track for over an hour, and eventually the decision was made to end the session.

Drivers 12th or above will be back on track on Sunday to fight for pole, while those 13th and below will have their positions guaranteed for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29.

Among the Brazilians, Tony Kanaan secured a spot in the decision, while Helio Castroneves was 27th on the grid.

Check out today's positions: