Marco Andretti in search of some elusive speed in
Gasoline Alley. (The Tomaso Collection)
But can any of these Drivers find their mythical
Glass Drivers Boot?
Every year it seems like it takes longer, but
arrives sooner, that hallowed day “Back Home in Indiana?” As where has another
year gone already? As fortunately history is against Josef Schlick’ Newgarden
three-peating…
In the past ten years, there have been four
non-Penske or Chip Ganassi winners, with the third member of the touted Big
Three, i.e.; Andretti Global not having won since 2017. While Penske has five
wins over that period, i.e.; 2015, 2018-19, 2023-24. And Ganassi has won once
in 2022.
Although I suppose
Alexander Rossi’s 2016 win for Andretti Herta Autosport counts as an Andretti
W’, Eh?
As here’s what I came up with whom I think would
be deserving Cinderella stories drinking milk this May 25th.
Santino
Ferrucci
No. 14 A.J. Foyt enterprises, Chevrolet
This one should be obvious for multiple
reasons, as how can you not root for someone with the bravado of thee Great
Santini, eh? Keying His radio and saying should we go lead this Boys? While
piloting the storied No. 14 racecar.
And how much longer will ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee
Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. be round to witness victory and celebrate winning the
only race that matters to Him…
Marco
Andretti
No. 98 Andretti Global, Honda
Yeah, we all know about that dreaded Andretti
curse at Mother Speedway. Which is like 75-1 or something for drinking milk at
Mother Speedway. And while Marco’s been on pole once, it’s hard to believe His
closest shot to victory came as a rookie nearly twenty years ago!
Rinus
VeeKay
No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing, Honda
Although I cannot say I’m a fan of the
Dutchman, having given Him the dubious nickname Count Dracula after taking out
Alex Palou during the 2023 Indianapolis 500. Nevertheless, I’m happy seeing His
renaissance at the Minnoweqse’ DCR outfit.
We know how good VeeKay is when it comes to
qualifying for the Indy 500,albeit usually crashing out of the race. And how
magnificent would if be for Dale Coyne and Rinus to win at the Speedway.
Ed
Carpenter
No. 33 Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet
Think this one’s a no brainer! As we know Ed’s
love for the Brickyard, not to mention His step-father’s connection to Mother
Speedway. As this is the only race Fast Eddie’ has wanted to win in His racing
career. And what more do you need to say other than His car number being 33,
eh?
Conor
Daly
No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing, Chevrolet
Every time the Noblesville, Indiana native
takes the lead at Mother Speedway, there’s always an audible roar of approval
from the stands! As Conor’s had His ups and downs as a journeyman IndyCar
racer. And what better way to cap His return to fulltime driving status in Indy
Cars than by winning at the Brickyard.
Felix
Rosenqvist
No. 60 Meyer Shank racing, Honda
Although I suppose the media will vainly try
keeping the “Drive for Five” with Hulio’ alive. It’s the driver that Racer’s
Marshall Pruett calls Fro’ that I think has the best chance of winning for MSR.
As it seems a lifetime ago that Felix-the-Cat’ won His debutante IndyCar race
at Road America, Wayback’ in 2020.
As I’m a huge fan of Rosenqvist’s and would
really enjoy seeing this no nonsense, down-to-earth fairly unflappable Swede’
drinking milk this May. And getting some of the long overdue recognition He
deserves.
Graham
Rahal
No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda
Won’t belabour the year when Graham failed to
qualify on the 30th anniversary of His father Bobby failing to do so. Before
Graham was given a lifeline as Stefan Stork’ Wilson’s injury replacement…
Or how Graham finished a disappointing third
the year RLLR teammate Takuma Sato won His second Borg Warner trophy. Since
when I think of all of the heartache Graham’s endured at Mother Speedway, I
inevitably think of 2021 when He seemed destined to win before a wheel came off
exiting His lightning quick pitstop on lap-119, Butterfingers!
I’ll add a further three drivers I’d enjoy
seeing win again at Mother Speedway, for various reason.
Marcus Ericsson
No.
28 Andretti Global, Honda
Without that faux Red
Flag and going Green with one lap remaining two years ago, Marcus Ericsson
instead of Josef Schlick’ Newgarden would be a two-times consecutive
Indianapolis 500 winner. As I’ll just say that Ericsson was robbed!
Couple that with how
His first season at His new home Andretti Global went, along with the miserable
outing He had at Alabama this May. And Y’all can see why I think this affable
Swede should win His second Indy 500.
Alexander
Rossi
No.
20 Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet
Yeah, it’s nearly a decade now since that shock
win driving for Bryan Herta as a rookie during the 100th running of the
Indianapolis 500. And it’s been nearly three years since His last win,
ironically on the infield road course at Indianapolis on July 30, 2022, when
driving for Andretti Autosport! Which in turn broke a previous three year
winless streak. And I’d just like to see Him get the proverbial “Monkey” off
His back. Not to mention winning again with a non “big-3” race team…
Takuma
Sato
No.
75 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda
Taku-san will forever be inexorably linked with
His brilliant tag-line of “No Attack, No chance!” Along with the gritty duel
with Dario Franchitti during the 2012 Indy 500, for which arguably we could be
talking about a three-times Indianapolis 500 winner today.
Thus, I’d really enjoy seeing Sato cap off His
IndyCar career by becoming only the seventh three time winner at Mother
Speedway! And how can you not root for this wonderful driver, Eh? As I’ve still
got His 2013 Tsunami relief fund T-Shirt in a drawer somewhere.
As we’re now just over 72 Hours from finding out if any of these unlikely drivers are drinking milk at Mother Speedway this Sunday…
