Race day is finally here. The drivers will start their engines beginning just after noon EST for the biggest race in motorsports.
The Indianapolis 500 is truly a special day in sports. 33 drivers risk their lives going over 220 mph around the 2.5 mile oval. The IndyCars are safer and the safety walls are much improved. Nonetheless, these drivers (and teams) are putting it all on the line for one thing: to win the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’
Today is the 100th anniversary race, all in part to celebrate the centennial era. IndyCar legend AJ Foyt will lead the drivers around the track for the warm-up laps and then it’s underway.
One of the big controversies this month has been whether or not to have double-file restarts. The drivers hate it, believe it will lead to more wrecks and that it is safety risk. The drivers and IRL CEO Randy Bernard have agreed to do them, only through turn four knowing the fact the crews will sweep the turn more often. Look out for these double-file restarts because they will certainly make things a whole lot more interesting.
Going to the Indy 500 is an annual tradition for many. It is a time to see a very diverse crowd-everyone from the elites in the suites to the hicks who spent their last dollar from the government on a $7 beer.
Ever since I can remember, my family has had a pool where you get drivers and those with the top three drivers and first out get some money. In honor of that, here are my bold predictions.
Possible Winners:
Scott Dixon- he has been tremendously fast all week and is backed by a great Chip Ganassi squad. If not for a lack of fuel during qualifying, he probably would have taken the pole.
Alex Tagliani- for obvious reasons, he may be the least known driver, selected most. Tags has absolutely been the fastest all month long and starting from the inside of row one doesn’t hurt.
Ed Carpenter- this would be a great story for the Butler alum to ride the wave. Not only is he fast, but he turned quality laps in the short amount of practice time available. Owner Sarah Fisher is pregnant and very emotional so if they won she would be ecstatic. This is more of a surprise pick but this year, nothing would be much of a shocker.
First out:
EJ Viso is the first one that comes to mind for this honor. If not Viso, I’m taking Takuma Sato.
Everyone is taking Dixon, so I ultimately will not. I think another option will win it—a driver who doesn’t quite have the money or following like Dixon, Franchitti, Castroneves or Power. In my dark horse selection, I’m taking Townsend Bell. Why not. As for the first out, I still believe Viso or Sato are a sure thing.
I’d like to see Danica do well for the fact that she needs to get results. Her big following has began to deteriorate because of her attitude and lack of success. Don’t get me wrong, she has a big head and doesn’t have the time of day for anyone, but it would be a great headline for Indianapolis.
Otherwise, I’m hoping Simona de Silvestro competes strong. Remember she crashed her brand new car last week and had to resort to her backup car. Her “T” car, if you will, is a 2003 model and roughly 30 pounds heavier than everyone elses. She is racing despite heavily bandaged hands. She’s a trouper.
Whether you are going to the race or watching it on ABC, the pre-race events are always my favorite. The singing of God Bless America, the National Anthem, and Back Home Again in Indiana. Then there is the releasing of balloons, the national anthem followed by a flyover, which tomorrow will be a b1 stealth bomber. And finally, “ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.” Don’t miss the pre-race show…it’s spectacular.