The IndyCar series returns to the Brickyard this weekend as fans prepare for the 108th annual Indianapolis 500. Josef Newgarden looks to stay the reigning champion after securing his first Indy 500 win in 2023. Unfortunately for Newgarden, it’s been over 20 years since the Indy 500 has seen a back-to-back champion. The last person to do so was Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002.
Of course, a few people have come close since. Most notably, Dario Franchitti, who won three races in six years between 2007 and 2012 but never won any in consecutive years. Newgarden has a long road ahead of him if he wants to break the streak. Not only has Newgarden not won a single race thus far in the 2024 IndyCar season, he’s recorded only one top-five finish. In fact, he hasn’t finished top-15 in either of his last two races.
Now, previous race results may not have much bearing on what happens this weekend, but it would ease a lot of bettors’ minds to know that one of the favorites has been driving at or near his best as of late. That hasn’t really been the case with Newgarden. Still, his success at the Brickyard last year and stellar starting position for the race are good signs.
Here’s everything to know about Sunday’s race.
IndyCar series:Printable 2024 Indy 500 Starting Grid Guide
Predictions for 2024 Indy 500:
ClutchPoints: Will Power Top 5 (-130), Alex Palou Top 5 (+110), Colton Herta Top 5 (+160)
Bryan Logan writes, “With the potential of rain, there is the potential that Kyle Larson would need to miss the race to make the NASCAR race in the evening. Further, a slightly wet track would favor some of the more experienced drivers. The second is positioning. It is rare to see someone from the back of the pack work their way up to a win, but it has been done. Finally, the hot hand. Scott McGlaughlin has been solid this year, leading the most laps on the season. Will Power and Alex Palou also both come in racing wonderfully this year.”
Sporting News: Consider betting Alex Palou
Kris Johnson writes, “There’s a lot to like about Palou at [his] odds. The defending Indy Car Series champion won last week’s event on the Indianapolis road course from the pole position. That marked his second straight win in the Indy road-course event. Why back him on the Indy oval? Palou started from the pole in last year’s Indy 500 and finished fourth. He came all the way back from the rear of the field after getting tagged on pit road by Rinus VeeKay, who apologized after the race.”
Indy 500 odds:
*All odds via BetMGM.
- Scott McLaughin (+550)
- Josef Newgarden (+600)
- Will Power (+700)
- Kyle Larson (+700)
- Pato O’Ward (+850)
- Scott Dixon (+1000)
- Colton Herta (+1200)
- Alex Palou (+1300)
- Alexander Rossi (+1300)
- Santino Ferrucci (+1800)
- Rinus VeeKay (+1800)
- Felix Rosenqvist (+2000)
- Kyle Kirkwood (+3000)
- Takuma Sato (+3500)
- Graham Rahal (+5000)
- Helio Castroneves (+5000)
- Ryan Hunter-Reay (+5000)
- Marco Andretti (+8000)
- Callum Ilott (+8000)
- Marcus Ericsson (+10000)
- Linus Lundqvist (+10000)
- Christian Lundgaard (+10000)
- Marcus Armstrong (+10000)
- Ed Carpenter (+10000)
- Kyffin Dimpson (+10000)
- Christian Rasmussen (+10000)
- Romain Grosjean (+12500)
- Conor Daly (+12500)
- Augusin Canapino (+20000)
- Sting Ray Robb (+30000)
- Tom Blomqvist (+35000)
- Pietro Fittipaldi (+35000)
- Katherine Legge (+50000)
When is the 2024 Indy 500?
The 108th Indy 500 will take place on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
What time does the Indy 500 start?
The race is set to start at 12:45 p.m. ET.
How to watch 2024 Indy 500:
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: NBC
Stream: Peacock
Stream the race:Watch with a Peacock subscription
What will the weather be for the Indy 500?
There is a moderate chance of rain on Sunday. As of Wednesday, May 22, the National Weather Service says there is a 54% chance for rain in Indianapolis at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 26. There is also a 30-50% chance for thunderstorms at that time, per the NWS. According to IndyStar, some meteorologists are telling fans hoping to attend the race to “prepare for delays and cancellations.”
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