P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Given the unusual Indy 500 front row, should we look further back in the pack for a surprise winner?
The Indianapolis 500 will be attended by a sell-out crowd of nearly 350,000, and the event blackout on local TV will be lifted for the first time since 2016. The influx of attendees will make the Speedway the second biggest city in Indiana on Sunday.
Rookie poleman Robert Shwartzman and team Prema might struggle to keep up due to limited race running and a low-ranking pit crew in IndyCar’s Pitstop Performance Award. Despite this, qualifying success has already made the event a triumph for them.
Takuma Sato’s aggressiveness could be a double-edged sword, putting Pato O’Ward in a prime position to lead from the front row. Looking beyond the usual favorites, drivers like Kyle Larson and Kyle Kirkwood could potentially cause surprises in the race.
Larson, starting from a poor qualifying position, has shown impressive car control and adaptability in practice sessions. Despite being a long shot, his talent and preparation could lead to an unexpected performance on race day.
Kirkwood, starting in 23rd place, faces an uphill battle but has shown great speed and potential in practice, making him a dark horse contender for the win. Both drivers have the skill and determination to shake up the race and deliver an exciting Indy 500.
