Inside Line: Indianapolis 500 Winner?

Today’s question: Who will win the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Curt Cavin: At the beginning of the month, I assigned drivers to tiers based on their ability to win Sunday’s race. Only two drivers were included in my top group, and one of them will start 23rd (Josef Newgarden). Newgarden can still win his third “500,” but it will take a lot to go right to climb through this competitive field. A more likely scenario is that my other Tier 1 driver wins from the pole, so it’s Alex Palou (photo, above) or bust for me, and he has done nothing this month to dissuade. If anything, I’m now even more sure of his chance to repeat.

Eric Smith: I think this is Scott McLaughlin’s year. Going from a pace lap crash before even taking the green flag last year to winning a year later is the kind of story movies are made of. Indianapolis has a way of testing drivers before rewarding them with glory. McLaughlin (photo, above) has paid his dues and looks ready to strike. He has a fast race car and has reached victory lane twice on ovals, both coming in 2024, at Iowa Speedway and Milwaukee Mile. Plus, if he wins, get ready for a wild celebration.

Arni Sribhen: It’s been a quiet May for Scott Dixon. The six-time INDYCAR SERIES champion has methodically done the work his Chip Ganassi Racing team needed in the preparations for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Dixon never led any of the speed charts during the month. He went out first and put up a time that got him in the Fast 12 and will start 10th in Sunday’s race. History suggests that 10th isn’t the best starting spot – only two winners have started 10th (the last being Alexander Rossi in 2016). Front-row starters are the favorites, as the winner has come from the first three starting positions 46 times, but Dixon (photo, above) is poised to do Scott Dixon things on Race Day. I wouldn’t be shocked if Sir Scott added another title – two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

Paul Kelly: I’m not going to lie: Before this season, I thought David Malukas might not be ready for a Team Penske seat. But, as usual, I was wrong. Malukas (photo, above) is the highest-ranking Penske driver in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES entering the “500.” And now I’m picking the driver formerly known as “Little Dave” to earn his first career series victory and deliver the legendary team with its record-extending 21st Indy 500 win in the biggest race of all. There are many reasons for me to believe in Malukas. He has been consistent and fast since practice opened May 12. He finished second here last year in an AJ Foyt Racing car. Team Penske doesn’t boggle pit stops, so that’s another plus for Malukas. Finally, he’s starting third, and 14 “500” winners have come from that spot. Only the pole winner has more wins, with 21. I know this year’s pole winner is that Palou guy, but I’m sticking with Malukas.