Former Indy 500 champion Buddy Lazier becomes 33rd driver on race's entry list

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis 500 has reached 33 driver-car combinations.

Track officials announced Wednesday that Buddy Lazier, the 1996 race champion and 2000 series champ, will drive the car for a team owned by his father, Bob.

If Lazier and the other 32 drivers on the entry list qualify, the race will start with its traditional 33-car field. Qualifying for the May 26 race is scheduled for May 18-19.

Lazier is one of only three former 500 winners attempting to start this year's race, joining three-time winners Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti and 2008 champ Scott Dixon.

The 45-year-old Lazier says the deal was finalized April 30 and that sponsors have been coming on board almost daily. Lazier was not listed on the final entry list, released Tuesday.