INDY 500 Race Day prediction

Will Felix Rosenqvis’ts “Life change today, Tears of Joy on His Face and With Arms Wide Open” driving this Creed racecar?  (The Tomaso Collection

 

As who besides Hulio’ and Schlick’ will be making History today?

 

It’s what all of us lowly, basement dwelling Bloggers and Bench Racers do each and every year…

 

As once again I found myself choosing who my pool of Indianapolis 500 winners were following the Alabama IndyCar race, and prior to the Indy road course outing. For which I could only come up with the following ten names.

 

Andretti Global: Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson; Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard; Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon and Alex Palou; Ed Carpenter Racing: Alexander Rossi and Team Penske: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin and Will Power. As those are the ten true Contendahs’ for Mwah, prior to Fast Friday.

 

Although I’d have to say that Herta’s chances took a major dent with that frightening Qualifying Day crash!

 

This  year seems to be the least prepared, least excited I’ve been about the Indianapolis 500 in years, albeit perhaps I say that every year I get older, Eh? I said speak up Sonny, Hya!

 

Don’t take any stock in the Open test from April, other than as Soctt Dixon eluded to, this year’s debut of the much dreaded Hybrid Energy Recovery system (ERS) is a definite wildcard. Especially since we don’t know how it will fare over 200 laps of repeated use…

 

Whom shalt thoust  Lady Luck, Err Mother Speedway choose today to drink milk in victory lane? Uhm ride the victory elevator to the stage high above the adoring crowd, for everyone to see in rapture, having just won the 109th running of this year’s Indianapolis 500…

 

My top Cinderella story pick is thee great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci winning in the No. 14 and ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee A.J. Foyt celebrating victory again!

 

My second choice is Felix-the-Cat’, (Rosenqvist) as Hulio’s Cactus, and Ain’t gonna win number five, so put a Fork in it!

 

Initially, my third sentimental pick was Taku-san’, nee Takuma Sato becoming a three times winner. But I’ve changed that to Alexander Rossi, who I think desperately needs a second win at Mother Speedway to secure His place as a great IndyCar driver, who’s career appears to be on a down glide scope. Then again, you could say ditto for Marcus Ericsson, Eh?

 

Whilst don’t know why, but before practice started Tuesday, my initial pick for winner was Scott Dixon. Who I think is definitely flying underneath the radar this year, especially with that No. 10 teammate of His winning everything in site! And I still felt this way prior to Friday’s Carb Day final practice session. Even if Palou was fastest during Monday’s post qualifying practice session.

 

Will Power seems to be another stout choice, while forget All of the chatter over Josef Schlick’ Newgarden winning three consecutive races, which Ain’t gona happen!

 

All of which was before Sunday’s Attenuator Gate Shenanigans!

 

Had to go Wayback’ for the following statistics. As of the 2008 Reunification, only three Indy 500 pole winners have won the race: Scott Dixon, 2008; Helio Castroneves, 2009 and Simon Pagenaud, 2019. And only one rookie has won on debut, i.e.; Alexander Rossi in 2016.

 

Whilst No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ told me that 23 of the last 25 winners have come from just four teams, i.e.; Andretti Global, Chip Ganassi Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and obviously, Team Penske.

 

Bryan Herta Autosport, 2011 with Dan Wheldon and KV Racing Technology in 2013 with Tony Kanaan are the only non “big four” team winners. Meaning the deck’s stacked upon the field once again this year, Sigh!

 

As suppose I wasn’t going out on a limb predicting that pole would be between Alex Palou and Scott Mclaughlin on Saturday Night. With my nod going to ScottyMac’ in the “Yellow Submarine”. Although that means the Odds are against Him winning…

 

Of course that was before I learned that ScottyMac’ had destroyed His primary car during the Fast Twelve morning’s practice with No possibility of getting the backup chassis prepared in time, Youch!

 

Then there were the two savage crashes of Colton Herta and Marcus Armstrong on Saturday! Plus Takuma Sato destroying His Dallara DW12’s tub during the Open test. Along with Kyffin Simpson trashing His racecar and going airborne during Fast Friday practice! All before we get to the Penske Attenuator Cheating scandal; Can Y’all say gorilla Glue?

 

Sato impressed as Always in Qualie’. As Nicky Salt’ Yeoman quipped during the Fast Twelve Shootout He was convinced that Taku-san’ could qualify a Shopping Cart! As Sato rolls off P2 Sunday.

 

Can Y’all tell I’m stalling? Since I’m struggling over my pick between my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato Who? As Patricio O’Ward’s interview following the Fast Twelve Shootout just made me smile over His trying to explain the euphoric feeling of satisfaction of driving these Narly racecars!

 

Verses my head telling me still Scott Dixon who starts fourth, even though I obviously prefer O’Ward starting third, His best Indy 500 qualifying result. I just don’t know how many times you can be the Bridesmaid before winning?

 

And surely Alex Palou will factor into the conversation, while I’d guess you have to say Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) is a Dark Horse pick.

 

Ok, even though I think it’s gonna be Dixon, I’ll choose my main man Pato O’ward as the winner of this year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’) 

Another Zany Indy 500 Race Prediction

Will Pato O’Ward be exchanging His latest Energy Drink for Milk on Sunday? (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As who will Mother Speedway choose this time? And will Mother Nature also get in upon “the Show?”

 

Blogging from the wilds of Nofendersville, where the Intrawoods’ connection is purdy G-Damn slow! Y’all really shouldn’t take too much below for granted, Hya! Especially due to the time delay…

 

Following Fast Friday’s conclusion, I initially came up with my Top-11 Contendahs’ for this year’s 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. As I’ll let Y’all figure out my “11” connection. And Nah, it doesn’t have anything to do with the Indy 11 Soccer team, Hya!

 

Thus alphabetically Team-wise: Andretti Global: Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson; Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi; Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon and Alex Palou; Meyer Shank Racing: Helio Castroneves; Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Takuma Sato, and Team Penske: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin and Will Power.

 

Whilst at the beginning of May, prior to the annual Indy GP, I made the Bold prediction with zero thought or scrutineering. That Alex Palou would be the winner of this year’s Indy 500…

 

Naturally after qualifying weekend, I’m not sure what to think about Cheep’s top two drivers, i.e.; Palou and Scott Dixon. Although both drivers are methodical at getting to the front. And if Chevy continues having it’s plenum Fires on race day, who knows? Although now that the Boost has been turned back down, this may no longer be an issue…

 

Naturally on the surface, the race initially seems likely to go one of two ways, albeit weather depending! As Team Penske has simply dominated thru Qualifying, enroute to locking out the Front row for only the second time in History. With 1988’s Indy 500 winner “Rocket rick” Mears starting from Pole in the “Yellow Submarine”. “Spin ‘n win” 1985 Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan in the middle, and defending Indy 500 winner Big Al’ (Unser) on the outside of Row-1.

 

Thus Team Penske could be in for another repeat of History, if ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin can win His debutante Indianapolis 500 from Pole aboard the vaunted (Penzoil) Yellow Submarine. Although I still think odds are against the Kiwi’, who hasn’t won on an Oval yet.

 

Although I believe the last driver to win from Pole was also a Team Penske driver from France in 2019, when Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud was victorious.

 

As how Cool is it that Pagenaud will make His long awaited return to the cockpit when driving Gil de Feran’s 2003 Indianapolis 500 winning racecar as part of the Pre-race festivities…

 

The Odds are also stacked against Josef Newgarden going back-2-back, as No P2P Jokes here! As repeat winners have only occurred five times in the race’s history, with the last being Helio Castroneves in 2001-02.

 

And according to the Indianapolis Star’s 33 Things to know about the 500 article. Whilst 45 of the previous 107 winners have come from the Front row, only three of the last twelve have started there.

 

And that’s before we even get into the scuttlebutt suggesting the Penske trio work together to stay at the front of the pack until the end of the race.

 

Ok, I can come up with my own scuttlebutt. As what keeps Andretti global from sending Marcus Ericsson, whose had a brutal month as a sacrificial Rabbit at the head of the field, Oh Never Mind!

 

Leading me to think that Mother Speedway will lend Her Hand in picking a deserving winner as always. Although will it turn into being only Half distance due to weather? Since I cannot remember the last year with rain delays…

 

As right now I’m torn between two different drivers drinking milk on the victory podium. Torn between Alexander Rossi whom somebody called Luke Skywalker not being able to destroy the Team Penske Death Star – and has been mocking Penske’s Chirpiness All Qualie’ weekend! Along with Colton Herta whom just seems to be exuding quiet confidence.

 

Obviously as previously mentioned, Alex Palou is certainly a Contendah’, along with Scott Dixon. Although the Kiwi’s making His worst Indy 500 start ever in P21 and will have to come from way deep to pull off the upset. Hmm, another Dixon Master class Fuel saving run in the cards?

 

Other drivers I’d be happy seeing in the winner’s circle include thee Great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci. As this would be a super popular victory since Ferrucci drives for A.J. foyt. Whom I still remember last year’s In-car radio replay saying Shall we go lead this Boys? Before rocketing to the lead, with thunderous, vocal approval from the Stands!

 

Whilst I’d also be happy with DJ WillyP’, aka Will Power winning His second Borg Warner trophy. As this would give the Aussie’ His 42nd win, tying Him for fourth All-time with Michael Andretti for career IndyCar wins.

 

Interestingly, I also learned via the Indianapolis Star that Power’s fifth Front row Start without winning the Pole ties Him with Harry Hartz and Wilbur Shaw.

 

Yet certainly you’re thinking what about my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, Eh? As I haven’t even mentioned Him yet. As this could be the break-thru year like always. But Pato’s already been complaining about His Chevy’ being slow, and He just seems to mercurial!

 

As I even pondered over qualifying weekend if He was feeling rattled over not being the No. 1 McLaren driver He’s used to? As I’ll begrudgingly admit that Kyle Larson has suitably impressed me both On and Offtrack. Although I still don’t think Larson will win. He’ll lead laps, but will get Outfoxed for the win…

 

Although somehow I missed another “Memo”. As I was totally unaware that Larson’s deal with McLaren is a two year contract for racing at Mother Speedway, i.e.; 2024-25.

 

Other outside chances are Felix-the-Cat’, aka Felix Rosenqvist who was the quickest Honda runner. Yet unfortunately the Swede’ has a record of qualifying better than finishing. While obviously the spotlight will be upon His elder teammate Hulio’. But Castroneves won’t win again!

 

And ditto for Fast Eddie’, nee Ed Carpenter who seems His best days are behind Him. Along with The Dude! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay.

 

Otay, Y’all are probably sayin’ Quit stalling and tell us your prediction, Eh?

 

Yes, I feel that Will Power’s laser focused and has to be a serious threat. While Alexander Rossi seems to have a massive Chip upon His shoulder, not to mention being in a contract year.

 

But I’ll stick with my Gut feeling and go for the not so obvious pick and select Colton Herta as this year’s winner! As Herta just seems to be exuding confidence along with sounding “loose” and not overtly serious. Kind of making me think of The Gasman, aka Tom Sneva…

 

But if it becomes a rain shortened race, then All “bets” are Off! And I’ll predict that Dixon wins His second Indianapolis 500.

 

As Y’all can compare ‘n contrast this year’s predictions vs. last year’s riveting No Fenders post below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/05/indy-500-wholl-win-this-years-race.html 

Introducing Chevy’s two Indy 500 Rookies

Or the only rookie the Media’s talking about…

 

As previously noted, this year’s Indianapolis 500 Rookie Class features seven diverse drivers. )5 Honda; 2 Chevrolet) With one unfortunately Hogging the limelight! As I’m afraid it’ll be nonstop Kyle mania this May, Urgh!

 

Kyle Larson

#17 Arrow McLaren

Engine: Chevrolet

Country: USA

DOB: 7/31/92, Age: 31

IndyCar Starts: 0

2021 NASCAR Cup Champion

 

Otay, let’s get this one out of the way, shall we! Since I fear that IMS has already gifted Kyle Larson the 2024 Indy 500 rookie Of the Year (ROY) trophy, SPEW! A la their skewed choice of ‘Ol JJ’, nee Jimmie Johnson in 2022, but I digress…

 

Yes, Larson’s an amazingly gifted racing driver, arguably one of Sprint Car and Midgets best. Yes, He won the 2021 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Championship driving for Hendrick Motorsports. As Rick Hendrick is the co-entrant for the fourth Arrow McLaren racecar this year.

 

But unfortunately for me, whenever I hear Kyle’s name, I immediately flash back to that Horrendous decision to use the You-know-What word during a Gaming session in April, 2020. With then NASCAR employer chip Ganassi rightly, immediately terminating His contract!

 

Although I absolutely do not expect this to happen, and for Kyle to “safely” qualify for this year’s race. How ironic would it be if one of Cheeps’ (Ganassi) trio of Indy 500 rookies Bumped Larson out of the Show…

 

But I also do look forward to Kyle completing “the double” this May. Becoming only the fifth driver to contest the Indianapolis 500 and Charlotte 600 on the same day.

 

Whilst I’ll begrudgingly admit that Larson’s seemed exptremely Humble and willing to talk to the Media whenever requested. Hasn’t put a wheel wrong and is Bloody Fast! Being the Quickest Rookie, qualifying fifth!

 

Christian Rasmussen

#33 Ed Carpenter Racing

Engine: Chevrolet

Country: Denmark

DOB: 6/29/00, Age: 23

IndyCar Starts: 4

2023 Indy NXT Champion

 

This is one of the crop of several new IndyCar drivers I really like. As the only flaw to date is that it seems Christian Rasmussen is pressing too hard? Although who am I to critique Rasmussen’s driving prowess, Eh?

 

Yet it seems like every race at season’s beginning, His name is mentioned in either a collision, crash or spinning out on His own! With P19 at St Pete being His best finish to date; followed by 27-24-20 place finishes thru the Indy GP. Amassing two Top-20 finishes enroute to currently sitting 25th overall.

 

After two excellent seasons in His Home Danish Formula 4 Feeder Series, the Dane’ made the trip across thoust Bloody Puddle’, Hya! And began climbing the Road to Indy ranks.

 

Driving for Jay Howard’s Driver Development squad in 2019, Rasmussen finished third in the 2019 U.S. F2000 National Championship with three wins. Then claimed the title the following year with a dominating nine wins before graduating to Indy Pro 2000.

 

Staying with Jay Howard, Rasmussen went back-to-back by claiming the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 Championship, scoring seven more wins enroute to the title.

 

For 2022, Christian joined Andretti Autosport’s Indy NXT programme, notching two wins enroute to sixth overall. Then for 2023 He joined HMD Motorsports and scored a further five wins while winning the Championship.

 

Rasmussen is driving a Twisties’ Only programme for Ed Carpenter Racing. Plus a third “One-off” entry at Mother Speedway, where it’ll be interesting to see if the boss and Rinus VeeKay’s Oval prowess at the Brickyard help the Dane have a successful Indy 500 debut… 

INDY 500: Who’ll Win this Year’s race?

As will it be one of the predicted favourites, or somebody not expected to win?

 

This is just a lowly Cellar Dweller Blogger’s Unscientific Guess upon who’ll be Drinking Milk this Sunday, following the conclusion of the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500.

 

Naturally, the Smart money, and most easiest pick would presumably once again be Scotty thee Iceman 2.0 Dixon, whom seemingly is overdue for His second 500 victory.

 

Yet I’m beginning to feel that Dixon’s got the fabled Andretti Curse upon His shoulders, and will never win another Indy 500, and I’m sticking to that prediction I made before this year’s “Guns ‘N roses” Indy GP.

 

As my initial pick then was another of Dixon’s Chip Ganassi Racing stablemates, with Takuma Sato becoming a Three-times Indy 500 Champion. Which I still say is a strong possibility.

 

Yet how could I overlook my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward? Especially since the young Mexican finished runner-up last May! Which I suppose is partialy why I did so, since it’s hard to replicate or improve your finishing position at Mother Speedway each year…

 

As it was just pure subjecture coming a day after this year’s GNR Indy GP. But it’s odd how the Penske’s really Don’t feel like a threat right now! Or Andretti Autosport, and certainly not Meyer Shank Racing! Since I’ve been telling No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ that Helio Castroneves is Toast! Or as the Aussie’s prefer saying Cactus for over six months now!

 

And I fear that Hulio’s MSR teammate Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud also seems to be at the end of His IndyCar career!

 

And not sure why? But prior to Sunday’s Fast 12 shootout beginning, I found myself picking Alex Palou as this year’s Indy 500 winner. Followed by Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi for my Top-3 picks. Although I’ll begrudgingly admit you can never count out Dixon…

 

As it seems like the obvious answer is that this year’s winner will come from either Ganassi or Arrow McLaren. But then again, that’s why they actually run the race!

 

While Monday’s practice saw the first incident of the month, when Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge unintentionally ran into the back of Stefan Stork’ Wilson’s racecar during practice. With Legge apparently saying that the line of Cars ahead had Checked Up and She was simply unable to avoid Wilson’s car ahead of Her!

 

And after a 40mins Red flag period to fix the Safer Barrier and Wall, Team Penske’s Will Power was the day’s quickest runner at 229mph-plus, now that the Boost has once again been Turned Down. Taking away those extra 100 “Ponies’. (Horsepower)

 

And did we really learn anything from the final Carb Day practice session? Other than it felt overly frenetic to Mwah! As Thar also seemed to be some concern over tyre blistering issues? Most notably on Alexander Rossi’s rear’s…

 

While poor Katherine Legge’s confidence has to be somewhat shaken? As She had to immediately lift after a rear wheel nut was spotted bouncing down the race track! And I believe it was Her right rear tyre trying to dislodge itself from Her racecar! Immediately bringing up mention of how that had happened to Graham Rahal when exiting the Pits during the race a few years ago.

 

Then late in the session Andretti autosport’s Devlin DeFrancesco had a right front tyre seemingly explode upon Him on track! Although afterwards, “Sparky” said it was an old set of tyres they were going to use for the Pit Stop contest and they hadn’t felt right to Him during the lap…

 

The Top-10 on the Time Sheet following the end of two hours saw Takuma Sato P1 at 227.855mph. Followed by Scott Dixon, will Power, Alex Palou, Kyle Kirkwood, Agustin Canapino, Colton Herta, Romain Grosjean, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin.

 

Hmm, three Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti Autosport and Team Penske’s in the Top-10, with a rookie Argentine Juncos Hollinger Racing entry as the lone interloper.

 

As I’d say that the driver that made the most waves during the practice was Josef Newgarden, who could seemingly put His racecar anywhere He wanted!

 

While thee Great Santini, aka Santino Ferrucci reportedly wasn’t very happy with His A.J. foyt Enterprises racecar! Finishing P31, while His rookie teammate Benjamin Pedersen was 17th. As the only two cars slower than Ferrucci were Callum Ilott and Rinus VeeKay.

 

Jack Harvey was the quickest of the three Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing entries in 13th, with Conor Daly one place ahead  as the fastest Ed Carpenter Racing entry.

 

Meanwhile TK’, aka tony Kannan was the quickest of the Arrow McLaren quartet in 11th, with Rossi and Pato O’Ward P14-15, and Felix-the Cat’ (Rosenqvist) was 28th. Whilst defending Indy 500 race winner Marcus Ericsson was P18.

 

So I’d say it’s anybody’s guess on who will be victorious Sunday, as we’re just a Skosh’ under 120 minutes from the Green Flag flying!

 

“Gentlemen and Lady, Start your Engines!” 

F1: Vettel Out, Alonso In and Sargeant at Austin

As perhaps Formula 1 thought IndyCar was making too much Noise?

 

Certainly Y’all have heard that ‘lil Syd Viddle’, aka Sebastian Vettel announced His retirement from Formula 1 at the end of this season prior to last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

 

And while many in the media speculated over who’d fill Vettel’s Aston Martin seat next year. With rumours of Mick Schumacher being on Pole, along with the embattled DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo. In the mix. Somewhat surprising news came Monday that thee GURREAT’ Fredrico Suave’, nee Fernando Alonso moved quickly and will fill Vettel’s seat on a multi-year contract.

 

Alonso’s move solves Alpine’s Dilemma over what to do with it’s Budding talent Oscar Piastri, who’s been waiting in the wings for a Formula 1 seat of His own, and surely Alpine will shortly announce the young Aussie’ as Alonso’s replacement for next year.

 

Meanwhile, Team Willy’ will Jumped the Shark by announcing that Williams Academy Driver and current FIA Formula 2 Frontrunner Logan Sargeant will make His F1 Debut at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in Austin during the (Free Practice) FP1 session at the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix.

 

So take that Zackery Brown! But I’d Arse-sume we’ll be seeing two aspiring Yanks’ running FP1 at COTA, where I’d expect Colton Herta to be piloting one of the McLaren’s… 

INDY 500: It’s Finally Race Day, So Who Will win?

As Enquiring Minds wanna Know who’ll win Duh biggest Race of the year?

 

Although I began pondering this prior to the completion of Fast Friday, for which I sincerely wish they wouldn’t Turn Up the Boost, since It Reaks of being even More Artificial then IndyCar’s vaunted P2P’, aka Push-to-Pass! But I digress…

 

Thus I held off until reading the day’s results via Racer.com before making my initial considerations towards potential winners for this year’s 105^th running of the Indianapolis 500.

 

Naturally the main Contendahs’ come from the Usual Suspects, i.e.; Penske, Ganassi and Andretti. As you can never count out Team Penske’s three veteran Drivers Josef Newgarden, Simon Pagenaud and Will Power. Whilst Scott McLaughlin seems a certain Shoe-in for (ROY) Rookie Of the Year honours, especially since the other two Rookies R.C. Enerson and Pietro Fittipaldi were struggling to find Speed!

 

Although Pietro impressed Mwah with an excellent 13^th place qualification, while Y’all know Enerson didn’t make the field, leaving just two Rookies this year, ironically with McLaughlin being the Quickest Penske in 17^th…

 

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon is always a threat, and you can never count out his returning team-mate Tony Kanaan. And while Alex Palou’s been Quick all thru practice, I just don’t think the Sophomore driver or Marcus Ericsson have the experience to win the Indy 500.

 

The prognosis for Andretti Autosport seems even more bleak to Mwah, since their only true threat Alexander rossi’s first time inside the Top 5 on the Time Sheets came Midway thru Fast Friday. Colton Herta seems too Hot Tempered and Ryan Hunter-Reay hadn’t cracked the Top 10 Speed-wise until the end of the final hours of practice. Marco Andretti typically Fades during the race and Thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’s Nightmarish season continues, as the Kuhnuck’ has been mired near the bottom since arriving at Mother Speedway!

 

While the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Boyz’ have looked strong during practice, albeit Graham Rahal’s been the slowest so far, Santino Ferrucci crashed once during practice and seems unlikely to win. So I’d just say count Rahal and Takuma Sato in. But there hasn’t been a repeat Indianapolis 500 winner since Helio Castroneves went back-to-back two decades ago.

 

And speaking of Hulio’, I’ll count him as a Darkhorse candidate, even though I Don’t expect him to win driving for Meyer Shank racing, as the team just still seems too young and “Raw” to pull off what surely would be an Upset.

 

Ed Carpenter Racin always has fast cars at the Speedway, albeit it’s been Conor Daly posting the Quickest times during practice, and like Ye Oldest IndyCar Blogger Geo. Phillips, I too don’t think Rinus VeeKay’s ready to win the Indianapolis 500. Nor do I think Conor will, but you can never count out Thar Boss Fast Eddie’. (Ed Carpenter)

 

And that just leaves us with Arrow McLaren SP to consider, especially since Pato O’Ward’s my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver! As Pato’s been fast, flirting inside the Top 10 during  practice, while Felix Rosenqvist’s and Juan Pablo Montoya’s names have barely been whispered. And although I’d revel in Pato Drinking Milk Sunday, I don’t think it’ll happen. Rosenqvist is a “Non Starter” leaving me to say that only Montoya’s a Dark Horse threat, albeit I’d say a pretty long long-Shot.

 

A.J. Foyt Racing’s running four cars this year which seems to be overburdening them, and they haven’t been a threat at All during practice with the exception of Team leader ‘le Hamburgular’ (Sebastien Bourdais) once in the Top 10 at P6 when getting a Tow during practice. So we’ll count SeaBass’ as a longshot candidate.

 

Pre race Contendahs’

Therefore, with my very quick assessment of this year’s grid, with No Disrespect towards those I didn’t consider, I’ve come up with a Dozen Bonafied Contenders towards Drinking Milk atop the Victory lane elevator’s Top Floor! In alphabetical Order: Sebastien Bourdais, Ed Carpenter, Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Josef Newgarden, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, Graham Rahal, Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato.

 

And it’s easy for me to say now, but I’ve been feeling pretty confident it’s Thee gory Iceman 2.0’s race to lose, following Scott Dixon being Fastest both Qualifying Days…

 

That said, naturally my list of potential winners has been somewhat reset.

 

Fantasy Picks

Although some of these drivers I don’t think have a chance, as I’ll list ‘em in the Longshot’s column below, here’s my updated selections for potential Winners in order of Team, with Starting position in parenthesis.

 

Andretti Autosport: Colton Herta, (2^nd) Ryan Hunter-Reay, (7^th) and Alexander Rossi )10^th)

Arrow McLaren SP: Pato O’Ward (12^th) and Juan Pablo Montoya (24th)

Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon (1^st) and Tony Kanaan (5^th)

Ed Carpenter Racing: Rinus VeeKay (3^rd) and Ed Carpenter (4^th)

Meyer Shank Racing: Helio Castroneves (8^th)

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Takuma Sato (15^th) and Graham Rahal (18th)

Team Penske: Josef Newgarden, (21st) Simon Pagenaud (26th) and Will Power (32^nd)

 

As the driver of this revised group who impressed me most with his Steely determination and Good Sportsmanship afterwards is Colton Herta, who now seems like a definite Contendah! While I’ll still say All of these drivers have a chance, along with the other 18 drivers.

 

Fantasy Long Shots

That said, of the 15 listed above, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Pato O’Ward, Juan Pablo Montoya, Rinus VeeKay, both Rahal drivers and Bloody Hell! Even the three Team Penske Boyz’ All feel like longshots at this point. As Odds are against Takuma Sato repeating, whilst Graham Rahal seems like a Darkhorse choice, while think we’re All Ah-Waitin’ to see if Team Penske Shows Up on Race Day?

 

And the Winner Is…

Of my Top 3 choices, One is my Preferred choice, One’s my Sentimental Pick and the third’s my Actual prediction.

 

I’d prefer for Alexander Rossi to win his second Baby Borg this year, as this would definitely boost his confidence over what’s been a ragged season’s plus racing. Not to mention Colton Herta’s trying to Steal his mantal of Team leader.

 

My sentimental choice would be Tony Kanaan for obvious reasons, as how can you not like TK’, Eh?

 

But the driver I’ll pick to actually win this year is Tuh-Duh! Scott Dixon. As “The Iceman” has just been astonishingly fast, Uhm Bloody Quick ever since practice began, and just seems like he’s intent on finishing business from last year’s humbling Defeat.

 

As Dixon has either been at the top or in the Top-5 of every day’s practice sessions, Quickest both Saturday & Sunday, and led some 160 laps last year, so I’d say he’s got this place figured out, El Correctomundo?

 

And I made my choice for winner following the Fast 9 Shootout, and didn’t even bother with the day’s latter practice or Carb Day results…

 

“Gentlemen and Lady, Start Your Engines!”