The 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place this Sunday at the Brickyard. In what/s known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the 2022 edition of the Indy 500 is sure to bring the excitement.
The Indy 500 is the Super Bowl of IndyCar Racing. All of the star drivers are taking part in this spectacle. Thirty-three cars start in the 200-lap, pressure-filled race to see which is the fastest car in Indianapolis.
Speeds will exceed 230 miles per hour, all for the chance to be the winner of the Indy 500. Look for lots of excitement, nostalg2ia and cold milk to the winner Gentleman, start your engines.
Indy 500 Favorites
The Indy 500 features many experienced drivers taking the wheel at the start of the marquee race in the IndyCar series. Here are some of the favorites to keep an eye out for during the 200-lap spectacle.
Scott Dixon (#9)
When you think of the favorites, take a look at the No. 9, Scott Dixon. Dixon, racing with Chip Ganassi Racing, is a six-time IndyCar champion and 2008 Indy 500 winner. Currently with 133 points, he’s fifth in the IndyCar standings.
During qualifying, Dixon registered the second-fasted run ever at oval, earning the pole. With two laps over 234 MPH, he thus made a statement to the rest of the field that his car is flying. As the pole sitter, Dixon is favored, priced at +550, according to Indianapolis 500 odds at BetUS Sportsbook.
Will Power (#12)
The Team Penske No. 12 driver, Will Power, currently sits atop the standings with 170 points. He has won one Indycar championship and a 2018 Indy 500 victory to his name. Power had a four-lap average of 231.53MPH, putting him in row four to start in 11th place.
As a veteran of the sport and former champion, Power has the experience needed to improve his position and compete for a victory. Currently, he’s at +1400 odds to win. With his recent performances this season, expect Power to be in the mix in the final laps.
Tony Kanaan (#1)
It’s no surprise that the Chip Ganassi Racing team has produced the majority of the faste\st qualifying times, and the No. 1 car is no exception. Kanaan has put his car in row two, starting in the 6th position after his 232.37 MPH, four-lap performance in qualifying.
Tony Kanaan won the 2004 IndyCar series championship, also capturing his lone Indy 500 victory in 2013. With the American Legion ad, he’s currently priced at +2000 odds to win Sunday’s race. Do not be surprised if Kanaan stays near the front of the pack for the duration.
Dark Horses
Here are some drivers that may be flying under the radar but could sneak atop the field in Sunday’s race.
Helio Castroneves (#6)
Helio Castroneves is an IndyCar veteran, but hasn’t captured a series championship. However, his success at the Indy 500 is unmatched. The No. 6 Sirius XM Honda has won four times (2002, 2002, 2009, 2021) at the Indy 500 in his career.
He registered a four-lap average of 229.63 MPH, which placed him in the ninth row (27th position). Currently, Castroneves is priced at +2800 odds to win. While he is starting two rows from the rear, do not forget experience and success at the Indy 500.
Jimmie Johnson (#48)
The longtime NASCAR champion tried his first IndyCar races in 2021. Currently, Johnson has 59 points in the standings, in 22nd place. Johnson is racing with Chip Ganassi Racing, which has been producing very quick cars recently. He’s in the fourth row (12th position) after his 231.26 MPH four-lap qualifying average.
While the No. 48 car is still looking for his first series victory, many fans can hope Johnson brings some of his NASCAR success to the Brickyard. Johnson has +1800 odds to win.
Marco Andretti (#98)
Anytime the name ‘Andretti’ is shown or stated, everyone takes notice. A third-generation Andretti, Marco will take the wheel in the 106th running of the Indy 500. He’s an IndyCar series veteran, currently in his 17th season.
While Marco Andretti hasn’t won the coveted Indy checkered flag that his grandfather captured in 1969, there have been those two other wins in the IndyCar series. Andretti has +5000 odds to win Sunday, finding himself starting in the eighth row. With a four-lap average of 230.34 MPH, that put him in the 23rd position. Fans of the IndyCar series love the Andretti lineage, and they’ll be sure to be cheering for the favorite family in all of IndyCar.
You don’t even need to root for a certain driver. There’s an odd-even wager as to the number of the winning car, according to Indianapolis 500 odds.
