What Is 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 was an IndyCar Series race held on August 21, 2021, at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Will Power won the race, leading 112 of the 260 laps.

Key Facts

The 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 took place on August 21, 2021
It was held at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois
Will Power won the race driving for Team Penske
The race consisted of 260 laps around a 1.25-mile oval
Alexander Rossi finished second, with Josef Newgarden in third

Overview

The 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 was a pivotal event in the NTT IndyCar Series season, serving as the 12th round of 16 races. Held on August 21, 2021, the race took place at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, a 1.25-mile paved oval known for high-speed drafting and close competition.

This event marked the second year the race was run as a 500-mile doubleheader weekend, with races on both Saturday and Sunday. While the Sunday race was canceled due to inclement weather, the Saturday race completed its full 260-lap distance, delivering intense action and strategic pit stops.

Event date: The race occurred on August 21, 2021, starting at approximately 8:00 PM Eastern Time under lights.
Track layout: Competitors raced on the 1.25-mile oval at World Wide Technology Raceway, featuring progressive banking up to 10 degrees.
Winner:Will Power, driving the No. 12 Dallara-Honda for Team Penske, claimed victory after leading 112 laps.
Finishing order: Alexander Rossi finished second, followed by Josef Newgarden in third, both overcoming mid-race challenges.
Weather impact: Rain forced the cancellation of the scheduled Sunday race, making the Saturday event the sole points opportunity for the weekend.

How It Works

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is structured as an oval-track race with specific rules governing qualifying, pit strategy, and race length. The format emphasizes fuel management, tire wear, and drafting, especially on intermediate ovals like World Wide Technology Raceway.

Qualifying format: Uses a two-group, multi-round system where drivers are seeded based on practice times and compete for pole position in knockout rounds.
Race distance: The event covers 260 laps (325 miles), making it one of the longest single races in the IndyCar calendar.
Doubleheader attempt: In 2021, IndyCar attempted a 500-mile doubleheader, with 260 laps each on Saturday and Sunday, though only the first race finished.
Points system: Drivers earn championship points based on finishing position, with additional points for pole position and leading laps.
Pit strategy: Teams must balance fuel conservation and tire degradation, often requiring four to six pit stops depending on cautions.
Weather protocols: Rain delays or cancellations are managed by IndyCar officials, with no provision for finishing races on alternate days once the event window closes.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 can be better understood by comparing it to other major IndyCar events in terms of length, format, and competitiveness. The table below highlights key differences:

Race	Track Type	Distance	Year Held	Winner
Bommarito 500	1.25-mile oval	325 miles	2021	Will Power
Indianapolis 500	2.5-mile oval	500 miles	2021	Hélio Castroneves
GMR Grand Prix	14-turn road course	82 miles	2021	Alexander Rossi
Long Beach GP	Street circuit	87 miles	2021	Colton Herta
Texas Motor Speedway	1.5-mile oval	400 miles	2021	Josef Newgarden

This comparison shows that while the Bommarito 500 is shorter than the Indianapolis 500, it still demands high endurance and strategy. Its intermediate oval design places it between short tracks and superspeedways in terms of speed and drafting dynamics.

Why It Matters

The 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 had significant implications for the IndyCar championship standings and team strategies. Its outcome influenced playoff positioning and highlighted performance trends among top drivers.

Championship impact: Will Power’s win moved him into the top five in the standings, tightening the championship battle with just a few races remaining.
Team Penske dominance: The victory reinforced Team Penske’s strength on ovals, continuing their legacy of success in high-speed racing.
Weather challenges: The cancellation of the Sunday race underscored the vulnerability of doubleheader formats to weather disruptions.
Fan engagement: Night racing under lights enhanced the spectator experience, drawing over 30,000 attendees despite pandemic-related restrictions.
Manufacturer competition: Honda-powered cars took the top three spots, demonstrating engine performance advantages on intermediate ovals.
Historical context: The race contributed to the growing prestige of World Wide Technology Raceway as a key oval venue in the modern IndyCar Series.

The 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 exemplified the excitement and unpredictability of IndyCar racing, combining elite driving, strategic depth, and real-world challenges like weather. It remains a notable chapter in the 2021 season’s narrative.