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What To Look Forward to for the 2023 Indianapolis 500

The 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will unfold today, and is one of the biggest events in Motorsport. Besides, the Indy 500 is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
What To Look Forward to for the 2023 Indianapolis 500 24 photos
Photo: IndyCar
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Unveiling the racing secrets for Sunday's showdown, the undeniable frontrunners are Alex Palou representing Ganassi and Pato O'Ward donning McLaren's colors. The dynamic duo shares a remarkable history as the last two runner-up finishers on this track, Palou in 2021 and O'Ward in the previous year. Their recent dominance was reaffirmed by a stunning one-two finish in the exhilarating GMR Grand Prix. Notably, O'Ward has been the runner-up thrice this season alone.

As they approach Sunday's race, they sit first and second in the points standings, displaying their unwavering determination. O'Ward boasts an impressive record of 12 top-four finishes in 16 oval starts, flawlessly securing top-ten positions in all three of his Indy 500 attempts. It begs the question, can he transcend his streak from sixth to fourth, second, and perhaps even claim the ultimate prize—first place?

The credibility of their skills cannot be undermined. Palou has relentlessly maintained a streak of finishing no worse than eighth in his last six starts, proving his consistency and tenacity. Yet, the grand stage of Indy has historically favored seasoned veterans. Since 2009, with the exception of one race, drivers in their 30s have triumphed, showcasing the difficult challenge facing Palou and O'Ward.

However, one mustn't disregard the presence of Takuma Sato, a seasoned champion who has already conquered the Indy 500 twice, each time with different teams at three-year intervals. Starting from eighth, Sato's track performance has been commendable, securing top positions in practice sessions—first, seventh, first, third, and first, respectively.

What To Look Forward to for the 2023 Indianapolis 500
Photo: IndyCar
When it comes to the Indy 500, a select few drivers have etched their names in history, with ten individuals winning the race three or more times. Among them, a prestigious group of four drivers has triumphed an astounding four times. Sato stands on the precipice of joining this elite league in May, fueling anticipation and excitement.

What adds to the rarity of this achievement is the possibility that Sato could accomplish this feat with a third team, an accomplishment matched only by three iconic drivers: Al Unser, Bobby Unser, and AJ Foyt. Notably, two of the three legends reside in the exclusive four-win club. The record for the oldest driver to ever taste victory at the Indy 500 belongs to Al Unser, who claimed glory at the age of 47. Coincidentally, Sato, at 46 years old, stands tantalizingly close to breaking this record. Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan, both older than 47, also possess the potential to achieve this remarkable feat. Notably, Kanaan embarks on his final Indy 500 from the ninth starting position, while the triumvirate of Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Andretti Autosport has commanded the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship since 2003, with a staggering 14 victories in the past 18 Indy 500s and 18 wins in the last 23 races since 2000.

An outlier emerges in the form of RLL, who secured two of the top three spots in 2020 and claimed victory in two of the five races that the "Big 3" didn't win since 2000. Furthermore, Al Unser Jr. was the last non-Penske Chevrolet driver to bask in Indy's glory, triumphing with Galles in 1992. Building on their success, Meyer Shank Racing celebrated victory in 2021 with Helio Castroneves. With Simon Pagenaud joining their ranks for a second consecutive year, they now boast two of the last four Indy 500 winners.

So, as anticipation reaches its peak, the question looms: Who will emerge victorious on Sunday? Interestingly, the best qualifiers from Team Penske and Andretti Autosport stand at 12th and 15th, respectively, while eight of the top ten starting positions belong to Ganassi and McLaren. Is this an indication that the race belongs to them, or will an unexpected underdog steal the spotlight?

What To Look Forward to for the 2023 Indianapolis 500
Photo: IndyCar
Notably, the last non-Penske Chevrolet team to conquer this hallowed ground was Galles Racing in 1992. During this week's discussions, the drivers mentioned that McLaren appears to encounter difficulties when the temperatures rise. Although the weekend isn't expected to scorch, the mild warmth may still impact their performance. The question lingers—how will this affect their balance and, ultimately, their chances of victory? Undoubtedly, Ganassi's versatility shines through as they tackle any condition, earning widespread acknowledgment as the team to beat.

However, the Indy 500 is a long and arduous battle, where unforeseen events can alter the course of the race over 500 grueling miles. Scott Dixon's experiences exemplify this unpredictability. Despite leading 111 laps in 2020, he fell short of victory due to a poorly timed caution. Similarly, in 2021, a caution proved detrimental to his teammate Alex Palou, echoing Dixon's misfortune from the previous year. In 2022, Dixon's ambitions were dashed by a speeding violation during his final pit stop, despite leading an impressive 95 laps. These instances illuminate the precarious nature of the race and raise the question of who will seize the opportunity this Sunday, potentially emerging from outside the traditional powerhouses.

Chip Ganassi Racing's impressive tally of five Indianapolis 500 victories places them in a tie for the third-highest total with Lou Moore (1938, 1941, 1947, 1948, 1949). Only Team Penske, with 18 triumphs, and Andretti Autosport, with six, have achieved more success at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Notably, Ganassi's remarkable run includes three victories within a remarkable five-year stretch between 2008 and 2012. Ganassi's qualifications paint a dominant picture this year, securing the top six, eight, and tenth starting positions. The previous year saw a similar narrative, with Ganassi capturing the top three, fourth, and sixth spots. In 2021, they claimed the top three, seventh, and ninth positions, solidifying their prowess. Impressively, in last year's race, they led a staggering 163 out of 200 laps (82%).

Their stronghold on the race extends to the broader Aeroscreen era, where they have led an impressive 324 out of 600 laps (54%). Although Monday witnessed a break in their month-long dominance of the speed charts, with another team taking the lead, Ganassi retained an impressive presence, occupying three out of the top four spots. As race week commences, their strength appears unwavering, validated by their 1-3-4 performance on Carb Day.

What To Look Forward to for the 2023 Indianapolis 500
Photo: IndyCar
Ganassi's formidable presence manifested during opening day, leading up to the event, with a 1-2-4-7 showing. This trend continued on Thursday, where they secured the top two positions and seventh and ninth. Fast Friday saw them claim 1-4-10-14 and, importantly, a 1-2 finish on the four-lap average chart, further highlighting their potency. As the countdown to the Indy 500 intensifies, the stage is set for a battle of titans. Who will emerge as the victor on this monumental Sunday? Only time will reveal the answer, and the world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama on the historic track.

It is indeed an intriguing storyline for AJ Foyt Racing at the Indy 500. Santino Ferrucci's strong qualifying performance and consistent progress in previous races indicate he could be a contender for victory. With a starting position of fourth, he has a favorable position at the front of the pack. Although Ferrucci hasn't been known for his qualifying prowess at the Indy 500, his ability to make impressive progress on race day suggests that he could make a strong push for a win.

As for Helio Castroneves, his quest for a fifth victory at the Indy 500 is an exciting prospect. He became the fourth driver in history to secure four wins at the race in 2021, and now he has the opportunity to become the first to achieve a fifth victory. Castroneves has shown resilience in the past, displaying remarkable performances despite challenging circumstances. His experience and track record make him a formidable contender.

However, the outcome of the race is uncertain, as the Indianapolis 500 is known for its unpredictable nature. The race is often filled with unexpected twists, and anything can happen over the course of 200 laps. It will ultimately come down to the drivers' skills, strategies, and ability to navigate the challenges the race presents.

What To Look Forward to for the 2023 Indianapolis 500
Photo: IndyCar
As for the historical context, several drivers have achieved victories in their late 40s at the Indy 500, showcasing that age is not necessarily a limiting factor. AJ Foyt and Al Unser both secured wins in their late 40s, while Emerson Fittipaldi and Gordon Johncock also triumphed in their mid-40s. Each driver's journey is unique, and Castroneves has the opportunity to add his name to the list of drivers who have achieved success in their later years.

In summary, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive race at the Indy 500. Santino Ferrucci's strong qualifying position and Helio Castroneves' pursuit of a fifth victory make AJ Foyt Racing a team to watch. However, with the unpredictable nature of the race, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain until the checkered flag falls on race day.
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About the author: Silvian Irimia
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Silvian may be the youngest member of our team, being born in the 2000s, but you won't find someone more passionate than him when it comes to motorsport. An automotive engineer by trade, Silvian considers the Ferrari F50 his favorite car, with the original Lamborghini Countach a close second.
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