This weekend begins one of the most exciting times for race fans in Indiana starting with qualifying for the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

Qualifying for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” kicks off a week of open-wheel action that leads up to the 70th running of the Pay Less Little 500 on May 26 and the Indy 500 on May 27.

During the week, the USA Silver Crown cars will race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Lucas Oil Raceway.

The questions leading up to the Indy 500 and Little 500 are which drivers will be reciting that familiar refrain in sports of “wait until next year?”

Two drivers will not qualify for the Indy 500 this weekend, and the number of teams leaving Anderson Speedway disappointed is still a moving target.

The entry list for the Little 500 is already at 43 as of Tuesday, with several more teams expected. Speedway officials believe as many as 50 sprint cars will invade Anderson.

Speedway officials have added a race for non-qualifiers for the Little 500 on May 25 in conjunction with the Don and Mel Kenyon Classic for the Kenyon Midget Series.

It’s almost impossible to determine which teams will be disappointed at Indianapolis on Saturday following the first round of qualifying.

A mechanical issue or an incident on the track could dash the dreams of drivers attempting to make only one Verizon IndyCar Series race this year.

Unlike with other racing series, there is no guarantee a driver will have a starting spot in the Indianapolis 500. Not among the fastest 33? You go home.

What a great concept that should be used more often in all forms of racing.

Of course the buzz surrounding the Indy 500 is Danica Patrick’s announced last race and the return of Helio Castroneves, still seeking that fourth win.

Drivers I suspect will have the toughest time making the field include Pippa Mann, Gabby Chaves, Conor Daly, Max Chilton and Jack Harvey.

The one driver I hope makes the field is Stefan Wilson, the brother of the late Justin Wilson. Stefan surrendered his seat last year for Formula One driver Fernando Alonso.

Saturday is bump day at IMS with the field set Sunday.

I suspect a Team Penske driver will grab the pole position Sunday, probably Josef Newgarden.

Other front-row starters could be Will Power and Scott Dixon.

Rookie driver Robert Wickens continues to impress with three top-five finishes in the first five events, but the Indy 500 will present a new challenge for this very talented Canadian.

On a personal note, my thoughts and prayers are with Ronnie Phipps and his family after he suffered a heart attack last weekend.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.