Indianapolis 500: 13 Bold Predictions for This Year's Race
After a surprising week and weekend of slow star teams, fast one-offs and surprises on the track, the big race can only bring one thing: pure insanity.
While this year's race could bring a common winner, we could also see a small team take the win, or maybe even a shocker in the crowd will take home the trophy.
Also, what other wild moments could appear within those 500 laps?
It's the Indianapolis 500. The possibilities are never-ending.
13. A First-Time Winner Wins the 500
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Could you imagine winning your first race and it being the biggest race of the year?
It happened in NASCAR at the Daytona 500; could it happen at Indy?
With multiple drivers in the field lacking any wins, Indianapolis would be one place that drivers put all the eggs in the basket for a chance to bring home the win.
12. Will Power Wins His First Oval Race
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When you think of Will Power, you think of street and road courses. You also think of domination—a trait that Penske seems to live by.
With the hope to win an oval race within this year as he contends again for the series championship, Will Power would fight to the finish to win his first oval race at Indianapolis.
Power starts fifth, plenty close to the front to easily contend for the win.
11. A "Big One" Happens at Indy
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Hey now, it's Indy–anything is possible.
In the centennial race, everyone wants a chance to smack their face on the side of the trophy, even more than usual.
With the pressure high, drivers will be right on each other to gain position. Also, as these cars are so similar, passing still has its struggles, no matter what.
Since a "Big One" isn't something you hear about when it comes to IndyCar, think of it more as "a wreck involving multiple cars." Who knows, it could be something to alter a major part of the contending field.
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10. Ganassi Takes Home the Win—Again
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Not a surprising one at all, actually.
Dario could win two in a row, or Scott could win a second Indy 500.
Either way, Chip Ganassi would have a field day of happiness. After winning the "trifecta" of the three biggest races of the year between NASCAR and IndyCar—the Daytona 500, Indy 500 and Brickyard 400 in 2010—he could surely use yet another win at Indy to place in the books for his team.
9. Andretti Autosport Overcomes Bump Day Bummers to Finish Well at Indy
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With some drivers making it and some heading home empty-handed, Bump Day was an emotional day for the Andretti Autosport team.
Even at other tracks, the team always races better than they qualify. So could they turn around the horror of Bump Day and bring home top finishes or maybe even a win? History says they're a great team at Indy and ones to watch no matter how they start.
8. Rain Affects the Race in Some Way
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We've seen it all month long—the rain comes from nowhere and is gone in a flash.
Could rain appear on race day? It sure seems like a possibility, no matter what the forecast is.
With rain comes changes in set-ups and changes in track conditions. So, while some did their rain dance for Pole Day and Bump Day, please hold the dancing until after the checkered flag has flown.
7. Ryan Briscoe Joins the Rest of the Penske Team as an Indy 500 Winner
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Being the only driver on the Penske team without an Indy 500 win, Ryan Briscoe may finally seal that deal and take home the win.
He had trouble on Pole Day, but qualified 27th on Bump Day. It would be a tough trip, but Briscoe has enough skill and car to take it to the front in 2011.
6. The Race Ends Under Caution
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Whether it's by wreck, or by rain, there is always chance the race could end under caution as it has in previous years.
In this situation, it pays to be leading, no matter what. While some would hate to win that way, it may be a few drivers' only chance to ever take home the big win.
5. A Big-Name Driver Wrecks Early in the Race
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Sometimes it's the driver's fault and sometimes it's out of their hands.
Nobody likes wrecking and not being able to complete a race, but at Indy, times that feeling by a million.
We remember some of the emotions that fall out when a driver doesn't get to finish and contend for the win, because every year it seems to happen.
Could that driver be a Penske, Ganassi or Andretti Autosport driver? Big-name drivers falling from big-name teams raises need for big-time headlines.
4. All Four Females Finish the Race
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All four women in the field have a good chance of staying in contention within the race. While all four may not get a chance to the front, each will finish the race.
Pippa Mann will be making her first Indy 500 start in 2011, while Simona De Silvestro and Ana Beatriz will be making their second start in the race. This will be Danica Patrick's seventh Indianapolis 500.
3. Alex Tagliani Wins from the Pole
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Alex Tagliani was given the chance to watch from the safe side of the fence, rather than where he has previously been, waiting anxiously on Bump Day.
But this year, he isn't only safe—he's on the pole for the 2011 Indianapolis 500.
Like they say, you can win from anywhere, but the pole sure does feel like a safer place to be.
Alex Tagliani may be a good shot for the win at Indy.
2. A One-off Wins the Indy 500
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Multiple teams this year have drivers racing only in the Indy 500.
Drivers with records such as Dan Wheldon, who will be racing only at Indianapolis in 2011, have a bigger chance of winning than some drivers who race all season.
To some, jumping in for one race only and winning could be an impossible task. But for others, it's just what they need to win. Putting all focus in one race with nothing standing in their way but 32 other drivers could be the path to success for many of these one-off drivers.
Don't be surprised if you see one taking home the win.
1. Danica Patrick Wins the Indy 500
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Every year this case arises: What if Danica Patrick finally won the Indy 500?
After leading in 2005, in her first Indianapolis 500, her name has been on the scene whenever the monht of May arrives. She still holds as the highest-finishing female in the race's history, finishing third in 2009.
She starts pretty far back this year, but over the course of the 500 miles, she could make history.
Love her or hate her, Indianapolis is a track where Danica always runs strong. A win at Indy could be the perfect going-away present if she decides to race NASCAR full-time in 2012.
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