INDIANAPOLIS – Today’s the day. It’s Indianapolis 500 race day.
Few further words need be said.
Alas, because you’re reading this and I wrote it last night, here’s some things to look for in today’s 99th running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
From a purely numerical, percentage standpoint, a winner outside of the Team Penske (four cars), Chip Ganassi Racing (five) and Andretti Autosport (five) camps would be a surprise. Yes, the remaining eight teams have 19 cars, but the established “big three” have 14 of 33 cars – or a staggering 42.42 percent of the field.
But with Bryan Herta Autosport (2011) and KVSH Racing (2013) having won in the last four years, there’s proof it’s not impossible if all the dominos fall correctly.
FIRST-TIME VERSUS REPEAT? YOUTH VERSUS 30-PLUS?
The last two Indianapolis 500 champions have been first-timers in Tony Kanaan and Ryan Hunter-Reay. The previous four were repeat winners.
Meanwhile there hasn’t been a ‘500 race winner under 30 since Scott Dixon, then 27, in 2008. We touched on the generational divide in a preview piece this week. We’ll see whether it comes to fruition.
SIX-FOR-SIX
It’s easy to forget the Indianapolis 500 is part of the regular Verizon IndyCar Series season, especially given its points value is double any other race save for the season finale, and the prestige of winning makes a career and a lifetime. Alas, we’ve had five winners in as many races to start the year, and a sixth winner would keep the streak of no 2015 repeats alive.
While first- and second-starting Scott Dixon and Will Power have won this year, as has ninth-place starting Josef Newgarden, the remainder of the front third of the field is yet to win in 2015. Hunter-Reay won this race from 19th last year – proof that it can be done even without an excellent starting position.
FUEL WINDOWS
Watch these numbers very carefully: the estimated fuel windows for pit stops. Jon Beekhuis, who will be one of ABC’s three pit reporters on Sunday (and also will serve as an NBCSN pit reporter in the second half of the season), has these numbers outlined:
Thus far it’s looked as though the Hondas will have better fuel mileage, but the more slippery Chevy offsets that edge. Full pit road trips – pit in to pit out, with stops – are estimated to take 39 seconds, just under the time it takes for a full lap.
As ever, you can save fuel under yellow… but yellows might be hard to come by. Last year’s race went the first 149 laps without a yellow.
HYSTERIA VERSUS REALISM
The angst and anxiousness of last week and last Sunday has, in recent days, simmered down.
The weather forecast has improved.
The stands will be packed.
The race is set to go on.
If you were to ask me who I want to win, I’d go full Gone with the Wind on you and reply, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
Here’s what I do want: 200 mostly clean laps in the books with no injuries, 33 drivers and crews, and all officials and fans coming home clean as a whistle.
Let’s rock and roll.
