[Pistol Pete]

But the thing to remember is: The #1 qualifier at this race doesn't get a 1st round bye.
It's definitely a High Prestige Self Awarding Accomplishment to do whether it's at Indy or any other National or Divisional Race to be # 1.

The other point is: You can be .85 under & make it to the finals as long as you do not race the 1.45 under car during the rounds. And even if you did run him, he still has to stage the car & race you, everyone knows in this sport "anything can happen".

Here in Div. 1 at 1 of our points races 1 guy made it to finals in Stock Elim. by barely running his index, so anything is possible.