Indianapolis 500 Preview: Favorites, Sleepers, and Storylines to Watch in 2025 Indy 500

Indianapolis 500 Preview: Favorites, Sleepers, and Storylines to Watch in 2025 Indy 500

Discover the top contenders, surprise picks, and key storylines ahead of the 109th Indianapolis 500. Will history be made again at the Brickyard?

[caption id="attachment_3591" align="aligncenter" width="724"]Indy 500 Indy 500[/caption]

#Indy500 #INDYCAR #PatoOWard #IndyCar2025 #IndianapolisMotorSpeedway #ScottMcLaughlin #MotorsportNews

A Classic Race With New Twists: 2025 Indianapolis 500 Preview Indy 500

The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is upon us, and anticipation is at an all-time high. With 33 cars ready to roar around the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 200 heart-pounding laps, race fans around the world are asking the same question: who will drink the milk in Victory Lane?

From seasoned veterans seeking history to young guns chasing their first taste of glory, this year’s edition has something for everyone. Here's a deep dive into the favorites, dark horses, and major storylines to follow heading into Sunday’s big race.

Top Contenders: The Favorites to Watch Indy 500

1. Scott McLaughlin - No. 3, Team Penske Chevrolet

McLaughlin may still be relatively new to oval racing, but his progress has been nothing short of impressive. In 2024, he led more laps on ovals than anyone else — an astounding 556, compared to the next best, Will Power, with 240.

His commanding performance at last year’s Indy 500 — leading 66 laps — shows he's figured out the formula. Now, starting from the front, he looks primed to finish what he started.

Key Stat: Led the most oval laps in 2024.

2. Pato O’Ward - No. 5, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet

It’s not if Pato wins the Indy 500 — it’s when. With two second-place finishes in the past three years and four top-six results in five starts, the 25-year-old Mexican driver has consistently been a threat.

Starting third this year, O’Ward is in a prime position. Historically, 14 winners have started from P3 — second only to pole sitters.

Quote to Remember: “We’re right there every year. It’s time.”

3. Scott Dixon - No. 9, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda

Dixon’s Indy 500 resume is legendary, but his last win came back in 2008. Despite this, he remains one of the most consistent performers at the Brickyard, finishing in the top six three times in the past five years.

With solid form in practice and a strong qualifying run, don’t count out the six-time INDYCAR champion.

Fun Fact: Dixon has led more laps at Indy than any active driver.

4. Alex Palou - No. 10, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda

Palou is known for his road course dominance, but his oval skills are catching up fast. Despite an 0-for-27 record on ovals, he’s had strong runs at the 500 in the past, including a dramatic rally from 28th to fourth in 2023.

Could 2025 be the year he breaks through?

Watch For: Redemption story after multiple years of near-misses.

5. Marcus Ericsson - No. 28, Andretti Global Honda

The 2022 Indy 500 winner knows how to handle the pressure. With two top-two finishes in the last three years, Ericsson has quietly become one of the best Indy racers in the field.

Starting from ninth, he's confident in his car and setup, calling it “the best we’ve had here.”

Underrated Picks: Sleepers Who Could Surprise  Indy 500

1. David Malukas - No. 4, AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet

Malukas has always been a solid oval driver, and his move to AJ Foyt Racing seems to be paying off. Qualifying seventh, he’s in prime position to pounce if the front runners falter.

Why He’s a Sleeper: Underrated team, strong qualifying, and growing confidence.

2. Santino Ferrucci - No. 14, AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet

In six starts at the Indy 500, Ferrucci has never finished outside the top 10. That consistency is unmatched and speaks volumes about his ability to navigate chaos while keeping a cool head.

Key Highlight: Led 11 laps and finished third in 2023.

3. Christian Rasmussen - No. 21, Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet

The young Dane was the top rookie in last year’s race, finishing 12th. His consistent top-15 practice times this year suggest he’s gaining speed and confidence.

What to Watch: Late-race positioning and pit strategy.

4. Takuma Sato - No. 75, AMADA Honda

A two-time Indy 500 winner, Sato starts from the front row once again. While he’s part-time, history suggests that's no barrier — just ask Helio Castroneves, who won as a part-timer in 2021.

Fun Stat: In both previous races where Sato qualified in the top five, he won.

5. Conor Daly - No. 76, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet

Daly says this is the best car he's had at Indy since 2019. With strong practice sessions and a 13th-place start, he’s positioned well to break into the top five.

Sleeper Power: Three consecutive top-10 finishes at Indy.

Rookie Spotlight: Can Shwartzman Make History?

Robert Shwartzman earned the prestigious NTT P1 Award as the pole-sitter for the 2025 race. But winning as a rookie at Indy? That’s a rare feat. Only 10 drivers have done it in more than a century — and just three since 1967.

With fellow rookies Nolan Siegel and Louis Foster also making their Indy 500 debuts, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure, speed, and strategy that defines this legendary race.

  • Can Helio Castroneves capture a record-breaking fifth Indy 500 win? Starting 22nd, the odds are steep — but never count out a legend.
  • Will Josef Newgarden make history with three consecutive wins? No one’s done it before, and he starts 32nd. But if anyone can, it’s Josef.
  • Will the Brickyard reward experience or crown a new face? The Indy 500 has a way of picking its winner — and sometimes, it's someone nobody saw coming.

Who Will Kiss the Bricks?

This year’s Indianapolis 500 promises drama, speed, and the kind of unpredictable action only this race can deliver. With veterans chasing legacy, rising stars hungry for a breakthrough, and the ever-present specter of Indy’s unforgiving nature, we’re in for another unforgettable chapter in racing history.

Whether you're cheering for a favorite like O’Ward or McLaughlin, or pulling for an underdog like Daly or Rasmussen, one thing’s certain: come Sunday, only one driver will taste the milk and kiss the bricks.

Stay Tuned and Catch the Action:

  • Race Day: Sunday, May 26
  • Start Time: 10 a.m. ET
  • Where to Watch: FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports App

#Indy500 #Indianapolis500 #INDYCAR #PatoOWard #ScottMcLaughlin #RacingNews #OvalRacing #Motorsports2025 #BrickyardBattle

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