INDIANAPOLIS 500 / UPDATE : Foyt Might Yet Fit Indy No. 36 Into His Schedule

A near-record entry of 102 cars, with 45 listed drivers, will begin practice today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 on May 30.

Seven former winners are entered but conspicuous by his absence is A.J. Foyt, a four-time winner who drove in his 35th consecutive 500 last year. Foyt is committed to getting his young driver, Robby Gordon, into the 33-car starting field. But don’t count him out just yet.

Once Gordon qualifies the No. 41 Lola-Ford Cosworth, Foyt may roll out its companion car, No. 14, and give it a whirl. He won’t say yes, but he also is not saying no.

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Since 1911, 596 drivers have started at least one Indianapolis 500. Foyt has driven against a record 240 of them.

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Nigel Mansell, who is home in Clearwater, Fla., recuperating from back surgery, is expected to arrive at the Speedway at mid-week to begin preparation for his first 500--and his first oval track race.

Mansell crashed during practice for the Valvoline 200 at Phoenix, which would have been his first oval race.

When he arrives, the British world champion must complete a four-phase rookie program that includes driving 10 consecutive laps between 185 and 190 m.p.h., 10 more between 190 and 195, 10 between 195 and 200 and then 10 more over 200--under the watchful eye of veteran drivers.

Teo Fabi was the last driver to miss the United States Auto Club’s pre-practice rookie orientation program and complete his test during practice.

Three days later, Fabi won the 1983 pole with a record speed of 207.395 m.p.h.

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Ten rookie drivers completed 1,696 laps (4,245 miles) without incident during their orientation last week. Former Formula One champion Nelson Piquet was fastest at 218.994 m.p.h., although the speeds were controlled. The emphasis was on consistency rather than speed, according to Roger McCluskey, USAC vice president.

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Qualifying for the pole and its $100,000 bonus will be done next Saturday and Sunday, and again May 22-23.