Indy 500 2017: Race Odds, Live Stream, Starting Lineup Grid and TV Schedule
May 28, 2017
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 26: Fernando Alonso of Spain, driver of the #29 Chandon Honda drives during Carb day for the 101st Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 26, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Indycar legend Scott Dixon has been handed the top odds for the 2017 Indy 500 on Sunday, while Formula One star Fernando Alonso will start the race with the joint second-best odds.
That's according to OddsShark, who have handed Dixon odds of 6-1. The 36-year-old sits just ahead of Alonso and Will Power (8-1), while Helio Castroneves has been handed odds of 10-1.
For the full odds, visit OddsShark. Here's a look at the full grid, via IndyStar:
ABC and BT Sport will broadcast the race, which starts at 12:19 p.m. ET/5:19 p.m. BST. Live streams will be available via the WatchESPN app and the BT Sport app.
Dixon is a four-time Indycar championship winner and a former Indy 500 champion, winning the iconic race in 2008. The 36-year-old enters the race seemingly in blistering form, impressing greatly during qualifying.
IndyStar Sports' Zak Keefer broke down the numbers behind his incredible qualifying session:
Holy crap: Scott Dixon's four-lap average of 232.164 mph is the fastest qual at @IMS in over 20 years. Fastest since Luyendyk in1996.
In any other year, Dixon would likely soak up the headlines heading into the Indy 500. But this is no ordinary year―not with two-time Formula 1 world champion Alonso on the grid.
The Spaniard made a remarkable transition to Indycar racing, flashing all of his talent in qualifying and earning his excellent race odds. Alonso hasn't driven a truly competitive car in years―his McLaren has been woefully underpowered in Formula One―and he'll be eager to make the most of this chance.
Defending champion Alexander Rossi and Alonso were able to joke about his misfortune in his usual car, per William Esler of Sky Sports:
Rossi was a shock winner last year―yet another example of the unpredictable nature of the Indy 500―but has since joined the group of elite racers expected to contend.
Castroneves was the fastest racer on Carb Day, explaining his solid odds. He sits well ahead of Juan Pablo Montoya (12-1) and Rossi (15-1).
Among the outsiders who could surprise a few, J.R. Hildebrand (30-1) will be one to keep an eye on. The 29-year-old has struggled to finish but appears to be peaking at just the right time.
Indy 500 Live Stream 2017: Viewing Info for Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
May 28, 2017
Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, drives through the first turn during the final practice session for the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Friday, May 26, 2017 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The 2017 Indianapolis 500 will start with Scott Dixon on pole. However, when Dixon enters his car Sunday afternoon, he'll be doing it with a renewed sense of what it all means.
"Winning the pole really means a lot for the drivers," Dixon said, per the Associated Press (via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). "You are trying to keep the car on its limits, so there's kind of respect amongst yourselves, in this community. Although the race is the important part, there's a great sense of pride in what we did Sunday."
Dixon and Dario Franchitti were robbed at gunpoint while at a Taco Bell in Indianapolis following the 500 qualifying last Sunday. Franchitti, the three-time Indy 500 winner who retired in 2013, and Dixon were both unharmed.
"I think the biggest thing is you are just hoping that everything is O.K., grateful that nothing silly happened," Dixon said. "That's the world of difference. That aside, personally, it maybe brings you to think about choices you make."
Dixon will start on the inside of Row 1 along with Ed Carpenter and Alexander Rossi. Rossi won the 2016 race at age 24, becoming one of the youngest in history to win IndyCar's premier event.
"This whole experience has been much more natural because I know what to expect," Rossi said of returning to Indy, per Nick DeGroot of MotorSport.com.
"I've got another four oval races under my belt, so I'm a little bit more comfortable with it. But everyday you're in a race car, you're learning here. It's a very unique place and you always have to come into it with that attitude because it can bite you very quickly. I feel like I've never really maximized it fully yet and I'm still working on that."
Juan Pablo Montoya and Ryan Hunter-Reay, the 2015 and 2014 winners of the race, will have work to do getting up in the pack. Hunter-Reay starts in Row 4, while Montoya's all the way back in 18th place in Row 6.
That said, Hunter-Reay will be in a better position after adjustments to his car put him near the top of times during practice sessions.
"We made some changes and I have to credit the engineering department," he said, per Phillip B. Wilson of the IndyCar's official website.
"They made the right changes, and then we picked the right downforce for the run. It's not easy. Track temperature is something you can't put a figure into, right? You can't validate it. You can't put a quantity into it. Ambient conditions, it could be the wind, you can take all this into account, but track temp is always a wild card."
22. 2, Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, Penske, 228.501
23. 1, Simon Pagenaud, Chevrolet, Penske, 228.093
24. 14, Carlos Munoz, Chevrolet, Foyt, 227.921
Row 9
25. 88, Gabby Chaves, Chevrolet, Harding, 226.921
26. 4, Conor Daly, Chevrolet, Foyt, 226.439
27. 50, Jack Harvey, Honda, Shank Andretti, 225.742
Row 10
28. 63, Pippa Mann, Honda, Coyne, 225.008
29. 11, Spencer Pigot, Chevrolet, Juncos, 224.052
30. 44, Buddy Lazier, Chevrolet, Lazier, 223.417
Row 11
31. 17, Sebastian Saavedra, Chevrolet, Juncos, 221.142
32. 40, Zach Veach, Chevrolet, Foyt, 221.081
33. 18, James Davison, Honda, Coyne, no speed
Indy 500 Schedule 2017: TV Start Time, Live-Stream Coverage and Race Info
May 28, 2017
AVONDALE, AZ - APRIL 29: Tony Kanaan of Brazil, driver of the #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda leads Scott Dixon of New Zealand, driver of the #9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver of the #28 Andretti Autosport Honda during the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway on April 29, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Scott Dixon is on the pole for the 2017 Indianapolis 500 after posting the fastest speed in last weekend's Fast Nine Shootout round of qualifying. His only career victory in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing came in 2008, when he also started from the top spot.
Dixon will be joined on the front row by Ed Carpenter and reigning champion Alexander Rossi. It's a wide-open race, however, with Ryan Hunter-Reay, Graham Rahal, Juan Pablo Montoya and Helio Castroneves among the drivers starting deeper in the field with a realistic shot at victory.
Let's check out all of the important details for the IndyCar Series' marquee event. That's followed by a race preview. For a complete look at this year's starting grid, visit the race's official website.
Viewing Information
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana
It's been an emotional roller coaster for Dixon over the past couple weeks. He went through an up-and-down week of practice leading up to qualifying weekend, secured the pole as the only driver with a four-lap average over 232 mph and then got robbed at gunpoint last Sunday night.
Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press noted the 36-year-old New Zealander and retired driver Dario Franchitti went to Taco Bell after the pole triumph and were robbed in the drive-thru lane. Dixon noted he was happy the situation didn't escalate any further.
"I think the biggest thing is you are just hoping that everything is OK, grateful that nothing silly happened," he said. "That's the world of difference. That aside, personally, it maybe brings you to think about choices you make."
This will mark the eighth time Dixon has started inside the top five in the Indy 500. Only once in the previous seven instances has he failed to translate that into a top-10 result, and that came all the way back in his debut appearance in 2003.
So the four-time series champion should be a threat heading into the final laps Sunday. Whether his car will peak at the right time after some mixed practice results will be the key.
Fernando Alonso is the most intriguing starter in the field. He's won a pair of Formula One championships and has made a ridiculously smooth transition to IndyCar, qualifying for the Fast Nine and earning a spot in the second row.
The 35-year-old Spanish superstar wrote a piece for The Players' Tribune explaining his decision to take on the cross-series adventure. He admitted it's something that's been on his mind for awhile.
"I have been thinking about Indy for four or five years now," Alonso wrote. "I had seen a few races, but didn't know too much about the series. I knew some of the names, and the teams, but basically it's all new information for me. So I am back to doing what I love again, learning. Everyone—from the team at McLaren-Honda-Andretti, to the people I've met during my time in America—has been so helpful."
He added: "And I want to make something clear. I'm not coming for a 'week off' or to just have fun—I am a racer, I am coming to race. Above all, I hope this is an experience I can take with me for the rest of my life. I hope the feelings I feel, and the things I see, stay in my mind forever."
While he's handled every hurdle thrown his way so far, being able to contend when the Indy 500 gets underway for real is a completely different animal. There's no doubting his competitive drive, but challenging for a victory would be a major statement about his all-around driving ability.
Hunter-Reay didn't qualify for the Fast Nine, but just about everything else he's done at Indianapolis Motor Speedway suggests he's a serious threat to win his second Indianapolis 500.
The 2014 champion has practiced well and, after just missing the qualifying cut, still delivered a terrific showing in the next round to earn himself a top-10 starting spot.
Sean Kelly of NBCSN is bullish on the American's chances:
Ryan Hunter-Reay absolutely flew round this place all week. No pole, but I reckon he can win next Sunday #Indy500
In the end, this is one of the toughest Indy 500's to forecast in recent memory. Justin Hartling of OddsShark noted Dixon is listed as a slight favorite from the pole position. But there's no less than a baker's dozen of drivers who have a real shot of coming away with the win Sunday afternoon.
Indy 500 Lineup 2017: Starting Grid and Viewing Info for IndyCar's Top Race
May 27, 2017
Josef Newgarden leads a packs of car through the first turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, May 22, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The Indianapolis 500 moves into its second century of existence Sunday with the 2017 edition marking the 101st running of the IndyCar Series' most high-profile race. Scott Dixon is in the pole position for the third time, previously winning for the No. 1 starting spot in 2008.
Dixon headlines a well-rounded field that features everyone from defending champion Alexander Rossi and three-time winner Helio Castroneves to Formula One superstar Fernando Alonso. It should make for an entertaining, competitive battle at the Brickyard.
Let's check out all of the important details for Sunday's showcase. That's followed by a preview of some notable storylines for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
Key Information
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana
Dixon stole the show during the Fast Nine Shootout round of qualifying as the only driver to post a four-lap average speed above 232 mph. Only five other drivers—Rossi, Alonso, Ed Carpenter, Takuma Sato and Ryan Hunter-Reay—even cracked 231 mph.
The 36-year-old IndyCar veteran, who later got robbed at gunpoint while in a drive-thru lane after securing the pole, admitted even he was surprised by the speed, per Jim Ayello of the Indy Star.
"I thought maybe the dash had broken on the steering wheel and brought up a fake number," Dixon said. "We seriously (didn't) think (we'd) ... see the speed that we did."
Although a strong qualifying run doesn't always guarantee success on race day, Dixon is seemingly well positioned to contend Sunday. Justin Hartling of OddsShark noted he's listed as the slight favorite, though it's a wide-open race overall.
Meanwhile, Rossi arrived to Indianapolis Motor Speedway with much more fanfare this time around than was the case one year ago. The defending champion put himself on the map with last year's victory, and he told the Jim Rome Show he reaped the benefits from the past 12 months.
"The amazing experience that goes on for an entire year afterwards, that you just don't want anyone else to have it," he said. "The opportunities present themselves that probably wouldn't have otherwise, and you definitely just want to be able to keep doing it and not let anyone else experience the kind of fruits that come with it."
It remains the only victory on his IndyCar resume, and he's only recorded two other top-five finishes since making his debut last season. Yet, he's looked dangerous once again during practice and qualifying as he looks to secure back-to-back triumphs on the sport's biggest stage.
Along with Dixon and Rossi, Alonso's story is of particular interest as drivers from other series coming to compete at Indy is one of the factors that helps make the event so special.
The 35-year-old Spaniard is a two-time Formula One champion with 32 wins during his illustrious career. His rapid transition to IndyCar has been magnificent, too. He's never looked out of place during practice sessions and his times suggest he's a legitimate threat Sunday.
That said, Autosport spotlighted the question everybody is asking: Can Alonso maintain that high level of performance under race conditions:
The best story might still be waiting to get told, however, just like Rossi last year. There are no fewer than 10-12 drivers with a serious chance of winning Sunday's race depending on who catches the breaks and which cars end up peaking at the ideal time.
Indy 500 2017: Start Time, Lineup, TV Schedule and More
May 27, 2017
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 26: Drivers leave pit lane during Carb day for the 101st Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 26, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The 2017 Indy 500 will take place on Sunday, May 28, as Formula 1 star Fernando Alonso will take part in the iconic race for the first time.
The eyes of the motorsport world will be on the event more than ever―Alonso went so far as to skip the Monaco Grand Prix, arguably the biggest race on the F1 calendar, just to drive in the Indy 500. European fans are expected to tune in as soon as the Monaco GP finishes.
The start of the race is expected to be at 12:19 p.m ET (5:19 p.m. BST), and coverage will be available via ABC, ESPN and BT Sport. Live streams can be found via the WatchESPN app and the BT Sport app. Sporting News' Ellis Williams detailed the full TV schedule and starting lineup.
New Zealand's Scott Dixon, the winner of the 2008 race, blew everyone away during qualifying to grab pole position.
Dixon has long been a a star of Indycar racing, and per Yahoo Sports' Nick Bromberg, his abilities aren't limited to just this format of racing:
Is Scott Dixon the most underrated open-wheel racer in American open-wheel history?
Pole position went to Ganassi, but Andretti took four of the first six slots, and they appear to be in sensational form. The same can't be said for Penske, with only Will Power starting from the first three rows.
Beyond Dixon, the list of top contenders is long. Defending champion Alexander Rossi was a shock winner last year, but he's since joined the club of elite racers and will be a force to be reckoned with.
Ed Carpenter will also start from the front row, and fans will keep a close eye on the likes of J.R. Hildebrand and Ryan Hunter-Reay as well―the latter missed out on the Fast Nine but has impressed nonetheless.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 26: Fernando Alonso of Spain, driver of the #29 Chandon Honda prepares to drive during Carb day for the 101st Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 26, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty
But if there's one man who will soak up all the headlines and attention, it's Alonso. The Spaniard remains one of the most popular and talented drivers in the world, evidenced by the short time he needed to adapt to Indycar.
With two F1 world titles under his belt, there's little doubt the 35-year-old has the ability to drive any car to victory. He's also seemed remarkably relaxed of late, even using a skateboard for transportation ahead of the race, per AP Sports:
Alonso hasn't driven a competitive F1 car in years―the fact he'll be starting from the second row will do him the world of good. Rookies or inexperienced Indycar drivers have had success at the Indy 500 before―just ask Rossi, who was a huge longshot to win last year.
The experience on oval tracks for drivers like Dixon could make the difference, but Alonso didn't travel to the United States as a publicity stunt. While he isn't the favourite to win, don't be shocked if the Spaniard ends the day on the top step.
Indy 500 2017: Weekend Race Schedule, TV Coverage and More
Kristopher Knox
May 26, 2017
Max Chilton, of England, drives through the first turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, May 22, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
It's that time, race fans. The greatest day in the racing year is nearly here. We're talking about the Indianapolis 500, of course, which is set for Sunday, May 28.
Whether you're going to Indy to experience the party or just plan on watching the action on television, you're in luck. We're here with everything you need to know for race weekend—including scheduling and television information.
We'll also examine the latest odds, courtesy of our friends at OddsShark.com.
2017 Indianapolis 500
Sunday, May 28
Race Time: 12:19 p.m.
Gates Open: 6 a.m.
Engine Start: 12:14 p.m.
National TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Odds
Driver
Odds
Scott Dixon
6-1
Will Power
8-1
Fernando Alonso
8-1
Helio Castroneves
10-1
Juan Pablo Montoya
12-1
Tony Kanaan
12-1
Marco Andretti
12-1
Ryan Hunter-Reay
12-1
Josef Newgarden
15-1
Simon Pagenaud
15-1
Alexander Rossi
15-1
Takuma Sato
15-1
Ed Carpenter
15-1
James Hinchcliffe
20-1
JR Hildebrand
20-1
Charlie Kimball
40-1
Graham Rahal
40-1
Carlos Munoz
50-1
Mikhall Aleshin
60-1
Max Chilton
100-1
Oriol Servia
100-1
Jack Harvey
100-1
Field
200-1
What to Know
Bourdais Out of Hospital
If you've been following the buildup to the big race, you probably know that driver Sebastian Bourdais was involved in a serious crash during qualifying. Bourdais hit the barrier hard during his third lap in a crash that could have been much more severe if not for modern safety measures.
Bourdais was forced to undergo surgery to repair a broken pelvis:
Sebastian Bourdais Update: Indycar driver will have surgery to repair a fractured pelvis after a fiery crash in Indy 500 qualifying.
— Kevin ODonnell Fox13🟦 (@ODonnellFox13) May 21, 2017
The good news is that, while he won't be racing this weekend, Bourdais will be out of the hospital. According to Samuel Reiman of FoxSports.com, Bourdais was released on Thursday.
According to Bourdais, he may be back on the track before the end of the race season: "It's going to be a bit of a long road ahead. I still have six weeks before I can put weight on my right leg and put my foot on the ground, but after that it should be pretty smooth sailing. I'm really looking forward to the day I can get back in the car, and hopefully that will be before the end of the season. I look forward to seeing you guys at the track."
Racing fans will certainly be wishing Bourdais a speedy recovery.
Eyes On Alonso
While Bourdais won't be on the track this Sunday, Formula One standout Fernando Alonso will be—and he'll be commanding plenty of attention.
While Formula One might not be a marquee sport in America, it's huge in many parts of the world. In the sport, Alonso is a rock star. He's made 277 Formula One starts, has won 32 events and has won two championships. Now, he'll try his hand in the IndyCar series.
Formula One fans and IndyCar fans alike will be drawn to the Spaniard's rookie run in Indianapolis.
"I think having Fernando Alonso, who has a full-time Formula One ride and misses Monaco to come run the Indy 500—we would argue it's the most important race in the world—it has benefited us," circuit chairman Doug Boles said, per Nate Saunders of ESPN.com. "It has benefited us in terms of the buzz. Our younger drivers grew up watching Fernando Alonso."
Alonso has suffered some poor fortune with the McLaren F1 team in recent seasons, with the Honda-powered vehicles not living up to his high standards, but he would surely love to win a third championship before he leaves the racing classification. Racing legend Mario Andretti believes he could have a future on the IndyCar circuit when he does eventually seek a new challenge.
"He's a racer. He could probably even come here for one year and win his share, because he'll absolutely have the opportunity to do that, and then go back to Formula One," Andretti said, per Saunders.
Alonso's story is a bit different from 2016 Indy winner Alexander Rossi's. While Rossi also came from Formula One—and won at Indianapolis as a rookie—he never really made an impression in his five starts, while Alonso has 277 in his career.
Alonso is a much more experienced driver. Unsurprisingly, he's one of the favorites for Sunday.
Events Galore
If you're lucky enough to be in Indianapolis for race weekend, you won't lack for things to do. The entire weekend will be filled with events, parties and concerts.
The gates open at 8 a.m. on Friday, with the first of many speedway events taking place shortly thereafter. Live music begins Friday afternoon with concerts by Barenaked Ladies and the Steve Miller Band.
There will be autograph sessions on both Friday and Saturday, and the live music continues on Day 2. Saturday night's highlights include performances by Dustin Lynch and Keith Urban. The Indy 500 Snake Pit will host musical performances Sunday morning and afternoon. Artists in the Snake Pit include Adventure Club, Action Bronson and Zedd.
For the full list of race weekend events, check out the official website of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
There will be plenty to do and plenty to see, even if the race itself isn't what you're going for.
2017 Indianapolis 500 Odds: Dixon, Alonso Lead Betting Lines for IndyCar Race
May 25, 2017
ST PETERSBURG, FL - MARCH 10: Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, drives the #9 Honda IndyCar during practice for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, on March 10, 2017 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Cleary/Getty Images)
Winning the pole position has been good to New Zealand's Scott Dixon as he attempts to take home the checkered flag in the Indianapolis 500 for the second time this Sunday.
In Dixon's previous victory in the biggest race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2008, he was also the pole-sitter, and winning it this year has made him the +600 favorite (bet $100 to win $600) on the Indianapolis 500 odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.
Dixon is a three-time Indy 500 pole-sitter overall, last placing fourth from the top spot in 2015. The last time a pole-sitter won the race was 2009, when Brazilian Helio Castroneves did it, and he is also the last back-to-back winner (2001 and 2002). Castroneves is +1000 to win it this year but has not won a race since 2014.
American Alexander Rossi stunned the racing world a year ago when he won the Indy 500 as a rookie and a long shot. That remains the 25-year-old's first and only career win, and he is +1500 to duplicate Castroneves' feat by repeating as Indy 500 champion.
In between Dixon and Rossi on the betting board at online gambling sites are seven drivers, including four former champs. Australian Will Power and Spaniard Fernando Alonso are two of the favorites who have never won the race, and both are listed as the +800 second choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiRLzscEyA4
After Power and Alonso are Castroneves, Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya (+1200), Brazilian Tony Kanaan (+1200) and Americans Marco Andretti (+1200) and Ryan Hunter-Reay (+1200).
Montoya won the Indy 500 in 2015, and before that, Hunter-Reay (2014) and Kanaan (2013) did it. Andretti is still looking for his first Indy 500 victory.
Last year, Kanaan placed fourth behind Rossi, Carlos Munoz (+5000 to win it this year) and Josef Newgarden (+1500). Other notable finishes were Dixon (eighth), Power (10th), Castroneves (11th), Andretti (13th), Hunter-Reay (24th) and Montoya (33rd).
Montoya's last-place finish as the defending champ was due to a crash on lap 64, and he had never failed to complete the race before that. British driver Jack Harvey is the longest shot on the board at +12500, and the 24-year-old has never raced at Indy.
Indy 500 Lineup 2017: Starting Grid and Breakdown of Sunday's Thrilling Event
May 25, 2017
Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, drives into turn one during a practice session for the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Friday, May 19, 2017 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
On the heels of Scott Dixon capturing the pole in the Fast Nine portion of Indianapolis 500 qualifying, the field and starting grid for the 101st running of the Indy 500 are officially set.
This year's field is stacked with top-level talent, and it is difficult to point to any single driver as a clear favorite, especially since a different driver has won the 500-mile race in each of the past six years.
Here is a look at how the 33 qualified drivers will line up for the start of the 2017 Indianapolis 500, as well as further analysis regarding some of the race's top contenders.
Starting Position
Driver
1
Scott Dixon
2
Ed Carpenter
3
Alexander Rossi
4
Takuma Sato
5
Fernando Alonso
6
J.R. Hildebrand
7
Tony Kanaan
8
Marco Andretti
9
Will Power
10
Ryan Hunter-Reay
11
Ed Jones
12
Oriol Servia
13
Mikhail Aleshin
14
Graham Rahal
15
Max Chilton
16
Charlie Kimball
17
James Hinchcliffe
18
Juan Pablo Montoya
19
Helio Castroneves
20
Jay Howard
21
Sage Karam
22
Josef Newgarden
23
Simon Pagenaud
24
Carlos Munoz
25
Gabby Chavez
26
Conor Daly
27
Jack Harvey
28
Pippa Mann
29
Spencer Pigot
30
Buddy Lazier
31
Sebastian Saavedra
32
Zach Veach
33
James Davison
Top Drivers to Watch
Scott Dixon
For the third time in his illustrious career, New Zealand's Scott Dixon captured the pole for the Indianapolis 500.
His performance this year is undoubtedly his most impressive, however, as his four-lap average was the fastest in more than two decades, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Twitter:
Dixon is a former Indy 500 winner, having taken the checkered flag in 2008, and he has a long history of success at IMS.
Including his victory, Dixon has finished inside the top 10 on 10 different occasions in the Indy 500.
He came in fourth and eighth in the past two years, respectively, and based on how his car looked during qualifying, there is every reason to believe he will be in the mix and vying for a win once again this year.
Drivers from other racing series often try their hand at running for glory in the Indianapolis 500, and the biggest example of that in 2017 is Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard is a Formula One star with 32 career race wins and two world championships to his credit.
Despite having no IndyCar experience, Alonso made the Fast Nine and qualified fifth, which suggests he will be a contender Sunday.
Per BBC's Andrew Benson, however, Alonso is tempering expectations and not getting too excited about his run:
Super performance by @alo_oficial to be in the fast nine and therefore first three rows. He says it's "not important". Very impressive, tho
With two career Indianapolis 500 wins to his credit, Juan Pablo Montoya is one of only two active drivers to have won the race on multiple occasions along with Helio Castroneves' three.
The Colombia native was victorious two years ago, and in four career starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he has finished fifth or better on three occasions.
Montoya didn't qualify particularly well as he will start 18th, but he isn't overly concerned, according to Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star: "I don't play big into qualifying. I never have here. I proved it two years ago when I won, and after eight laps, I was dead last. It doesn't really matter where you qualify."
He qualified 15th when he won the Indy 500 in 2015, and an 18th-place start shouldn't do much to hinder his chances.
Montoya made his season debut in the IndyCar Grand Prix with a 10th-place finish, which should give him some momentum heading toward the 500.
With winning experience at IMS on his side, Montoya is among the drivers to beat provided he doesn't run into any mechanical issues.
Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon Robbed at Gunpoint by Teenagers at Taco Bell
May 22, 2017
AVONDALE, AZ - APRIL 29: Scott Dixon of New Zealand, driver of the #9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda greets fans as he is introduced to the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway on April 29, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
IndyCar stars Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti were robbed at gunpoint at a Taco Bell drive-thru Sunday.
As FOX 59 reported, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department report noted "the victims stated two males robbed them at gunpoint and fled north on Berwick (Avenue) on foot."
Two teenagers, ages 14 and 15, were arrested later.
Earlier in the day, Dixon had won the pole position for the Indy 500. Franchitti, who is now retired from racing, is a four-time IndyCar Series champion as well as a three-time winner of the Indy 500.
AVONDALE, AZ - APRIL 28: Former IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti on the gird during qualifying for the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Get
The incident took place at a Taco Bell about a half-mile away from the Indianapolis circuit, according to FOX 59. Dixon's wife, Emma Davies-Dixon, was also reportedly in attendance when the robbery occurred.
Dixon had earlier posted a four-lap average time of 232.164 mph. As the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Twitter feed noted, it's been more than two decades since someone went faster while qualifying for the showpiece race:
The impressive benchmark means Dixon will begin next Sunday's spectacle in pole position. The New Zealander will be looking to add to his sole victory in the Indy 500, which came in 2008.
Indy 500 Qualifying Results 2017: Scott Dixon Wins Pole over Ed Carpenter
May 21, 2017
AVONDALE, AZ - APRIL 28: Scott Dixon of New Zealand, driver of the #9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda drives during practice for the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Scott Dixon captured the pole position for next Sunday's 2017 Indianapolis 500 by posting the fastest time during the Fast Nine Shootout round of qualifying Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.
Ed Carpenter and Alexander Rossi will complete the front row based on the qualification results. Takuma Sato, Fernando Alonso and JR Hildebrand are set to start in the second row in the 101st running of the IndyCar Series' marquee event.
Here's a look at the complete results from Sunday's action:
Place—Driver (Car No.; Team; Four-Lap Average Speed)
1. Scott Dixon (9; Chip Ganassi Racing; 232.164)
2. Ed Carpenter (20; Ed Carpenter Racing; 231.664)
3. Alexander Rossi (98; Andretti Autosport; 231.487)
4. Takuma Sato (26; Andretti Autosport; 231.365)
5. Fernando Alonso (29; Andretti Autosport; 231.300)
6. JR Hildebrand (21; Ed Carpenter Racing; 230.889)
7. Tony Kanaan (10; Chip Ganassi Racing; 230.828)
8. Marco Andretti (27; Andretti Autosport; 230.474)
9. Will Power (12; Team Penske; 230.200)
———Failed To Make Fast Nine———
10. Ryan Hunter-Reay (28; Andretti Autosport; 231.442)
31. Sebastian Saavedra (17; Juncos Racing; 221.142)
32. Zach Veach (40; A. J. Foyt Enterprises; 221.081)
33. James Davison (18; Dale Coyne Racing; DNP)
It's the third time Dixon earned the Indianapolis 500 pole. In both previous instances, he finished the race inside the top five, including his only career victory at the Brickyard in 2008.
The IndyCar Series provided highlights from his winning run:
Carpenter, whose performance dropped off in practice after finishing first Wednesday, bounced back yesterday with the top seed to earn a place in the Fast Nine. His strong showing continued Sunday and earned him a berth in the top nine.
The question is whether the No. 20 car has found a setup it can keep heading into next week's race or if the success over the last few days will be fleeting once the green flag waves.
Nick DeGroot of Motorsport.com noted he's part of a front row not dominated by any team:
Front row for the 101st Indianapolis 500:
Scott Dixon - CGR Honda Ed Carpenter - ECR Chevrolet Alexander Rossi - Andretti Honda#Indy500
Rossi, the reigning champion, put himself in prime position for a serious repeat bid. He's quietly been trending in the right direction over the past couple of days, so the final couple of practice sessions should tell the story of exactly how dangerous he'll be Sunday.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway passed along his post-qualifying comments:
"This is the one race a year that you go into where you don't have a plan. We did it last year. I'm more relaxed this year" @AlexanderRossipic.twitter.com/kM8ve0kouN
Looking ahead, the stage is set for another entertaining edition of the Indianapolis 500. Just about every practice session over the past week has been highly competitive, and that trend continued the last two days in qualifying.
Dixon may hold the advantage of starting on the pole, but the razor-thin margin separating the top contenders should ensure there's plenty of lead changes next Sunday. It'll simply come down to whichever team is able to get its car to peak at the right time.
