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
