Missing May

 Sunday, May 29th, 2005.

A date when an unbreakable passion was formed in the heart of a 6 year-old boy.  3 days, prior, I found two tickets to the Indianapolis 500 hidden in the laundry room at the conclusion of my birthday gift hunt, and come that Sunday, dad and I were trekking out to the Northeast Vista for the green flag, but not before stopping to view the most important attractions that day (the transporters of course, big trucks are always more impressive than little racecars in a 6 year-old's eyes).  Nevertheless, the pageantry and spectacle made an impression, and they ensured I would be back.  

Back we came with mom and little brother in tow three years later, once he reached the 6 year old age as well, and thus started the streak we continue to this day, 2020 omitted of course.  Along that way I've brought friends, girlfriends at the time, and others into the fold of the Indy 500.  Those that know me is those two weeks in May are my favorite of the year.  My full intention is to use vacation time for those in the future.  

Unfortunately, that is not an option this year.  The one thing more important to me, my airline career, has necessitated an extended visit to St. Louis during May this year, and even more unfortunately, a 6am final check in the sim in St. Louis on raceday.  While rain or a kind examiner letting me leave early may ensure I make it to the Northeast Vista once again this year, it very much appears that Mark Jaynes, Nick Yeoman, Michael Young, and the rest of the IndyCar Radio crew will be my option as I hammer down I-70 hoping to make it to 465 before the masses exit from the two and half mile oval.  

What this means to me is still being processed.  It will only get worse as raceday nears, but I'm sure I will still cling to hope that some magic might happen and I'll make it in come the 29th, but nothing is ever certain, that's for sure.  So, with that being said, if you're heading to the race this year, live in the moment and cherish everything around you because raceday is special and that cannot be overstated.  Don't take a 500 for granted, because missing it unwillingly is not very fun at all.  I'll be back in 391 days for the 107th and hopefully every one after it.

The Official Preview for the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500

 2020 has been a horrible year.  The effects of the COVID-19 virus have been felt worldwide, and the world probably will never be anywhere near what it was just eight short months ago.  Because of those effects, not only is this preview being released in August instead of May, but we are facing an Indianapolis 500 being run without fans for the first time in history.  In addition to that, teams have continued to mention that the addition of the aeroscreen, which disrupts airflow over the rear wing causing a decrease in downforce, along with the resealing of the track resulting in reduced tire wear, will cause a very difficult race.

Simply put, and though I don't like to be negative, we are probably going to witness the worst Indianapolis 500 in modern history on Sunday.  The lack of energy with no fans combined with a primarily strategy-based race, which is extremely hard to effectively televise, will probably not yield good results. 

Nevertheless, this is still Indy, and the reward is still the same.  Lead the 500th mile, and you have your name and face immortalized forever.  Enjoy this preview, pick a few favorites, gather at a socially-distanced length from family and friends, and enjoy another late summer afternoon, this time with one of the greatest races in the world to entertain.  As always, drivers will be categorized as favorites to win, dark horses, or surprises.

Row 11

Driver: Ben Hanley (England)

Start Position: 33rd

Car #: 81

Team: DragonSpeed

Sponsor: Flex-Box

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 32nd (2019)

Hanley and DragonSpeed return for their second attempt at the 500 as the 11th-hour 33rd entrant for the race.  They struggled with electrical issues for much of the week of practice, and thus have only really had Sunday's afternoon session and Carb Day to work on race setup.  They won't contend for the win this year unless a complete fluke happens, but this race will be valuable experience for a team and driver hoping to expand their footprint in IndyCar.

Category: Surprise

Driver: J.R. Hildebrand (United States)

Start Position: 32nd

Car #: 67

Team: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Sponsor: Salesforce

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 2nd (2011)

Hildebrand returns for his 3rd year with both Salesforce and Dreyer & Reinbold, but things do not look good for the team.  They have been struggling for pace all throughout practice, and seemingly have been at a disadvantage ever since the new aerokit was introduced in 2018.  It will take all of Hildebrand's engineering intellect to help bring the 67 to the front on Sunday.

Category: Surprise

Driver: Sage Karam (United States)

Start Position: 31st

Car #: 24

Team: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Sponsor: Wix Filters

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 9th (2014)

This young man has grown up in his time at Indianapolis.  From his debut as a recently-graduated high school senior to now where he is an engaged man, Sage has been around each and every year.  That being said, he has a continuous problem with finishing the race.  With a uncompetitive car and a bad starting position, one has to wonder if he will face that problem once again this year.

Category: Surprise

Row 10

Driver: Max Chilton (England)

Start Position: 30th

Car #: 59

Team: Carlin

Sponsor: Gallagher

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 4th (2017)

Max returns to the 59 for his only oval start of the year at Indy, and much like the DRR drivers, does not appear to be in a good spot.  While he has arguably the best helmet in the field (look it up, it is worth it), he's struggled as the only Carlin entrant in the field.  Additionally, the team has had to change the engine twice.  Keeping the 59 in one piece to the finish will be the task of the day for them on Sunday.

Category: Surprise

Driver: Charlie Kimball (United States)

Start Position: 29th

Car #: 4

Team: A.J. Foyt Enterprises

Sponsor: Tresiba

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 3rd (2015)

Another one of the ex-Ganassi satellite team drivers, Kimball returns this year for his first start with A.J. Foyt Enterprises at the famed oval.  While he was fairly strong on the speed charts early last week, Kimball faltered on his qualifying run, and A.J. still believes you can win from anywhere in the field, although I doubt that will be true this year.  Look for the 4 team to look to get off sequence to get the car to the front.

Category: Surprise

Driver: Helio Castroneves (Brazil)

Start Position: 28th

Car #: 3

Team: Team Penske

Sponsor: Pennzoil

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 1st (2001, 2002, 2009)

The only three-time winner in the field is in a very unfamiliar spot in what may be his final start at Indy with Team Penske.  His contract with Penske expires after this year, and it is well known he has a desire to return to IndyCar full-time, especially since it appears Penske's sportscar program will fade away after this year.  That being said, this may be his final shot to join the four-time club.  It will take a monster drive from this veteran, but if anyone can do it, Helio and Team Penske can.

Category: Dark Horse

Row 9

Driver: James Davison (Australia)

Start Position: 27th

Car #: 51

Team: Dale Coyne Racing w/Rick Ware Racing, Byrd, and Belardi

Sponsor: Jacob Construction

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 12th (2019)

James is one of those guys who has a fiery personality in the car.  He is going to go 120% in the car, which typically means he either does well or he wrecks trying.  Davison has become a jack of all trades under David Byrd's sponsorship, and it's nice to see a driver like that in this year's race.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Fernando Alonso (Spain)

Start Position: 26th

Car #: 66

Team: Arrow McLaren SP

Sponsor: Ruoff Mortgage

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 24th (2017)

Alonso makes his first start at Indy since his 2017 run with Andretti on Sunday, this time with the Arrow McLaren team.  This will also be his last start for at least two years due to his new contract with Renault for Formula One next year.  Alonso will not have the dominant car as he did last time out, and he is also the only driver to have major contact this month.  With that in mind, it may be a struggle for the Spainard on Sunday, but if engineer Craig Hampson can work his magic, Alonso may find himself at the front come the end of the day.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Simon Pagenaud (France)

Start Position: 25th

Car #: 22

Team: Team Penske

Sponsor: Menards

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 1st (2019)

The defending champion of the Indianapolis 500 finds himself in a sticky situation in the 9th row, however you cannot count him out.  It is known that he is extremely happy with his race car, and that is dangerous for a driver as good as Pagenaud.  Expect to see the day-glo yellow 22 car moving towards the front on Sunday.

Category: Favorite

Row 8

Driver: Dalton Kellett (Canada)

Start Position: 24th

Car #: 41

Team: A.J. Foyt Enterprises

Sponsor: K-Line Insulators

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: Rookie

The first rookie in this year's field impressed me in qualifying, beating out veteran teammate Charlie Kimball after initially being very uncomfortable in the racecar last week.  The longtime Indy Lights veteran should just be looking to finish on Sunday.  With A.J.'s guidance, he has a very good chance of doing that.

Category: Surprise

Driver: Tony Kanaan (Brazil)

Start Position: 23rd

Car #: 14

Team: A.J. Foyt Enterprises

Sponsor: ABC Supply

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 1st (2013)

The "Last Lap" for TK at the 500 was supposed to be a celebration for both he and his fans, but unfortunately that won't be the case.  Fine by me though, that just means the Indy veteran will be back again in the future, and I can't think of anyone who will complain about that.  Tony has always been able to bring the 14 to the front when he has driven it at Indy, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him do it again.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Will Power (Australia)

Start Position: 22nd

Car #: 12

Team: Team Penske

Sponsor: Verizon 5G

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 1st (2018)

Power was not happy after his qualifying performance, to put things lightly.  As you might expect, it was well below the standards of both he and Team Penske, and that means this Aussie will be charging to the front on Sunday.  He struggled last year, but I expect him to turn it around in his quest for #2.

Category: Dark Horse

Row 7

Driver: Oliver Askew (United States)

Start Position: 21st

Car #: 7

Team: Arrow McLaren SP

Sponsor: Arrow Electronics

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: Rookie

Last year's Freedom 100 winner takes his first Indy 500 green flag this Sunday with one of the most prominent teams on the grid.  Askew has had an impressive first season thus far, with a strong finish at Iowa.  He will contend for the rookie of the year title on Sunday, and if luck falls his way, may find himself in the top 10 towards the end.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Jack Harvey (England)

Start Position: 20th

Car #: 60

Team: Meyer Shank Racing

Sponsor: SiriusXM

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 16th (2018)

The young Brit makes his fourth start at Indy on Sunday, all with the relatively-new Meyer Shank Racing team.  Harvey was up front late in the race in 2018, but was forced to pit for fuel.  MSR is now technically aligned with Andretti Autosport, similarly to the former Harding-Steinbrenner setup, so this team has potential.  If things fall the right way, they could be in contention towards the end.

Category: Surprise

Driver: Santino Ferrucci (United States)

Start Position: 19th

Car #: 18

Team: Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan

Sponsor: SealMaster

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 7th (2019)

The infamous "Santucci" is back for his sophomore start at Indy, once again with the Dale Coyne team.  He shined in his first start with the team last year, garnering rookie of the year honors.  That being said, he has struggled thus far this month, failing to match the pace of his rookie teammate Alex Palou.  Expect a charge from Ferrucci on Sunday.

Category: Surprise

Row 6

Driver: Conor Daly (United States)

Start Position: 18th

Car #: 47

Team: Ed Carpenter Racing

Sponsor: U.S. Air Force

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 10th (2019)

Conor once again returns to Indy this year with a different team, this time with Ed Carpenter Racing, a team known for its ability to perform for the big race.  Since his experience with Andretti last May, Conor has seemingly stepped up his game, turning in several solid performances with Carlin on ovals.  His persistence will be needed on Sunday, as it might be tough for Daly to drive to the front from midpack.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Zach Veach (United States)

Start Position: 17th

Car #: 26

Team: Andretti Autosport

Sponsor: Gainbridge

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 23rd (2018)

Veach returns for his fourth run and his third with Andretti and the Group 1001 sponsorship group and their brands.  If there is a weak link on Andretti's team, Veach is it.  He has failed to post a decent result in the 500 and is the weakest qualifier once again on the team.  While he has the equipment to post the result, the jury is still out if he will be able to hold up his end of the bargain.

Category: Surprise

Driver: Ed Carpenter (United States)

Start Position: 16th

Car #: 20

Team: Ed Carpenter Racing

Sponsor: U.S. Space Force

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 2nd (2018)

If there's anyone Indianapolis locals want to see win this race, its Ed.  He has consistently been at the top since starting his own team, but the lack of power from the Chevys in qualifying this year has hampered his form.  Many believe that ECR's cars are some of the best in the field, but Ed will have to use his patience to show that to be true; in 2015, Ed lost that patience with a mishandling car and wrecked out early.

Category: Dark Horse

Row 5

Driver: Pato O'Ward (Mexico)

Start Position: 15th

Car #: 5

Team: Arrow McLaren SP

Sponsor: Arrow Electronics

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: Rookie

The other Arrow McLaren rookie finally makes his first start after a practice crash all but ended his hopes of making the field last year with the struggling Carlin team.  After chaotic RedBull-supported stints in Europe and Japan, Pato has finally found stability and support from one of the most well-funded teams in the sport.  Pato will be in the hunt for rookie of the year, but so will almost everyone else in the rookie class.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Felix Rosenqvist (Sweden)

Start Position: 14th

Car #: 10

Team: Chip Ganassi Racing

Sponsor: NTT Data

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 28th (2019)

Felix looks to improve on a disappointing 28th-place finish last year after having several strong showings in the past year and winning his first race recently at Road America.  The young Swede is extremely promising and is thriving under the tutelage of Scott Dixon.  With a strong showing on Sunday, Felix may lock himself in as Ganassi's future.

Category: Dark Horse

 

Driver: Josef Newgarden (United States)

Start Position: 13th

Car #: 1

Team: Team Penske

Sponsor: Shell V-Power Nitro+

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: 3rd (2016)

The only current Penske driver to not win the 500 yet has to be feeling the heat.  While Josef has won the championship in two of the three years he has driven for Penske, he has yet to accomplish the one thing all Penske drivers must.  While this is not a do or die year for Newgarden, it is coming sooner than many think.  I believe Newgarden will be driving with a passion come Sunday, and will be fighting for the win at the end.

Category: Favorite

Row 4

Driver: Spencer Pigot (United States)

Start Position: 12th

Car #: 45

Team: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with Citrone-Buhl Autosport

Sponsor: Hy-Vee

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 14th (2019)

After his strongest month of May to date in 2019 with Ed Carpenter Racing, Pigot now joins the new Citrone-Buhl Autosport team which has partnered with RLL for this year's program.  Along with the new team, Pigot brings a new sponsor, grocery store chain Hy-Vee, to the series.  Rahal's cars always seem to run well in the race, and Hy-Vee may see this sponsorship pay off in a big way if that holds true this year.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Marcus Ericsson (Sweden)

Start Position: 11th

Car #: 8

Team: Chip Ganassi Racing

Sponsor: Huski Chocolate

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 23rd (2019)

The F1 veteran is back at Indy in 2020, this time with the dominant Chip Ganassi team.  Ericsson ran well last year with Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports before an incident on pit entry tempered his run.  This year with the dominant package and the guidance of Scott Dixon, Ericsson will be a dark horse to contend on race day.

Category: Dark Horse

Driver: Colton Herta (United States)

Start Position: 10th

Car #: 88

Team: Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport

Sponsor: Gleaners Food Bank

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 33rd (2019)

The young Herta was looking for a promising first start last year, but mechanical issues ruined his debut last year.  This year, Herta was slightly off the pace of his Andretti teammates, resulting in him missing the Fast Nine in qualifying.  Herta will be looking to prove his talent on Sunday, but even just finishing this race would go a long way for a driver who has basically no race experience in IndyCars at IMS.

Category: Dark Horse

Row 3

Driver: Alexander Rossi (United States)

Start Position: 9th

Car #: 27

Team: Andretti Autosport

Sponsor: NAPA Auto Parts

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 1st (2016)

If anybody in the field is hungrier to win this race (again) than Rossi, I'd be absolutely shocked.  After winning the race unexpectedly in 2016, Rossi's performances in 2018 and 2019 at the 500 have shown the passion and drive he has for this race.  Rossi's race car is highly regarded as one of the best on the grid on raceday, and he will make moves no one else will.  Come race day, expect him to be in the top 3 all day long.

Category: Favorite

Driver: Graham Rahal (United States)

Start Position: 8th

Car #: 15

Team: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing 

Sponsor: United Rentals

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 3rd (2011)

Over the last couple of years, not many teams consistently put their driver in contention for the win at this race, but RLL has done that with Graham, and, even more surprisingly, it has never been from this far forward.  The team has benefited from increased pace from Honda along with drawing the first spot in the qualifying order for raceday.  With the form RLL has shown in the past, it would not be surprising to see them challenging for the win on Sunday.

Category: Dark Horse

 Driver: Alex Palou (Spain)

Start Position: 7th

Car #: 55

Team: Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh

Sponsor: N/A

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: Rookie

Of all the drivers in the top nine spots, Palou is the one that has surprised me the most.  He has consistently been fast all month long, and may very well transfer that speed to the race on Sunday.  It always seems like Dale Coyne Racing puts at least one fast car in the field, and Palou's has been blessed with that speed this year.  Palou is one of the two favorites for rookie of the year this year, with the other starting three spots ahead.

Category: Dark Horse

Row 2

Driver: James Hinchcliffe (Canada)

Start Position: 6th

Car #: 29

Team: Andretti Autosport

Sponsor: Genesys

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 6th (2012)

The Mayor of Hinchtown finds himself in both an unusual and a familiar spot this year as a part-time driver with his former team, Andretti Autosport.  Hinch has been extremely happy with his car, dubbed Genevieve, this month, and will look to prove he belongs as a full-time driver this Sunday at a track that has been so cruel to him.

Category: Favorite

Driver: Ryan Hunter-Reay

Start Position: 5th

Car #: 28

Team: Andretti Autosport

Sponsor: DHL

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 1st (2014)

RHR was and odds-on favorite for the pole this year, but a loss in the balance placed him in fifth after all was said in done.  Since his win in 2014, he has seen cars that were utterly dominant and cars that were woefully uncompetitive.  Besides 2016, this year may be his best shot yet to win again.  Look for him to be at the front on Sunday.

Category: Favorite

Driver: Rinus Veekay (The Netherlands)

Start Position: 4th

Car #: 21

Team: Ed Carpenter Racing
Sponsor: Sonax

Engine: Chevrolet

Previous Best: Rookie

The fastest Chevy in the field belongs to the fastest rookie in the field as well.  Rinus blew both myself and others away with his pace and poise during qualifying last weekend.  Many believe he has one of the best cars in the field, but as NBC announcers have said multiple times this week, "he doesn't know what he doesn't know."  Veekay will be a rookie of the year contender, but his confidence may cause him trouble on raceday.

Category: Dark Horse

Row 1

Driver: Takuma Sato (Japan)

Start Position: 3rd

Car #: 30

Team: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Sponsor: PeopleReady

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 1st (2017)

The 2017 champion surprised many with a consistent and fast qualifying run on Sunday, resulting in a front row start for Sato.  He drove an incredible race last year, coming from down a lap to finish 3rd behind Pagenaud and Rossi.  With the solid race cars RLL puts together, Sato will be a favorite on race day.

Category: Favorite

Driver: Scott Dixon (New Zealand)

Start Position: 2nd

Car #: 9

Team: Chip Ganassi Racing

Sponsor: PNC Bank

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 1st (2008)

With a name like Scott Dixon's, you might expect he would've won another Indy 500 since his first in 2008.  Nevertheless, the Kiwi remains at a single win 12 years later, and if there's any year where he is going to score his second, it is this one.  Dixon has dominated the season thus far, and will be looking to transfer that momentum to the 500.  Dixon is my pick to win on Sunday.

Category: Favorite

Driver: Marco Andretti (United States)

Start Position: 1st

Car #: 98

Team: Andretti Herta Autosport w/Curb Agajanian and Marco

Sponsor: US Concrete

Engine: Honda

Previous Best: 2nd (2006)

It's been a long, long time since an Andretti started from point at Indy, but Marco breaks that streak on Sunday.  After a dismal 2019 race, he has rebounded strong as he continues to chase the Indy dream.  While he has what I believe is the fastest car in the field, I am concerned about his ability to manage traffic.  If he can keep his lead as he works through traffic, Marco might be a legitimate threat to break the Andretti curse.

Category: Favorite

So there is the preview for this year's race.  As you can see, there are a ton of competitive cars fielded, and if strategy takes hold of this race, the surprises we could see may be shocking.  We hope for a safe and fun race, and most of all, that we will be Back Home Again in Indiana in May 2021.