Indy 500 Preview and Prediction

Racing’s greatest event comes this Sunday with the 105^th running of the Indy 500. The race should provide viewers with drama and excitement from a field that looks as competitive as ever.

There are a number of past winners in the field, including last year’s victor, Helio Castroneves. Can he go back-to-back to win for a fifth time at the Brickyard or will a newcomer rise to the top to take home checkered flag?

Let’s take a look at the upcoming race, previewing the top racers, odds, and best value when making your Indy 500 picks.

Indianapolis 500
Date and Time: Sunday, May 29, 2022 at 12:30 PM EST
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana
Odds: Top 4 – Scott Dixon (+550), Alex Palou (+700), Rinus VeeKay (+1100), Patricio O’Ward (+1100)
TV Coverage: NBC

Indy 500 Betting Preview

All odds courtesy of Sugar House Sportsbook.

The Favorites

Scott Dixon (+550)

Dixon is in the pole position and it’s reflected in his +550 odds, the best in the field. He finished second in the 2020 race after leading more than 100 of the 200 laps. He also won the Indy 500 back in 2008. This could be his best opportunity to bring home another victory.

Dixon was easily the fastest qualifier in the field this year, posting a speed over 234 MPH. This is the 21^st time he’s run in Indianapolis and more than half of those have ended in a top 10 finish. He should be near the top of the list when making your Indy 500 picks.

Alex Palou (+700)

Palou is looking to improve upon his runner-up finish in the 2021 event and bring home his first Indy 500 win. He should have a great opportunity to do so. Palou will start at second in the field, and he’s the only other racer to boast odds of better than 10/1.

Palou has had a great season thus far, and he’s seen success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before. This could be the year he brings home that elusive first victory.

Good Value

Marcus Ericsson (+1400)

Ericsson has been a bit unpredictable so far this season, but when he’s on, he tends to finish high. He does have a tendency to fall behind when starting near the top of the order which could cause some concern as he begins in fifth place on Sunday.

While he’s failed to finish in the top 10 in his three previous Indy 500 tries, it might still be worth a gamble with the +1400 odds. If Ericsson gets off to a good start, a nice payday could be in the works.

Jimmie Johnson (+1600)

Johnson has run this track as much as anyone in the field, albeit as a NASCAR driver. And he’s had success, too. Johnson won at Indianapolis four times as a NASCAR driver. The rookie (that sounds weird to say) is hoping to translate some of that stock car success to IndyCar racing.

He knows what it takes to compete on the oval tracks and his past experience could lead to a surprising victory. Should he pull off the feat, a $100 bet would cash $1,600.

Tony Kanaan (+2000)

Kanaan won this race back in 2013 and the Brazilian starts in 6^th place. He ran a time of 232.372 MPH in the qualifying round to land a favorable spot in row 2.

Kanaan has seen a ton of success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We’ve already mentioned his win in 2013, but he’s also posted top 10 finishes 11 times. Eight of those 11 were top 5 finishes. He’s starting near the top of the field on Sunday. He could cash in a major profit with a win.

The Long Shot

Helio Castroneves (+2800)

Castroneves is a four-time champ on this track, winning just last year. It would be silly to leave him out of the conversation when looking at possible winners. Unfortunately, it will provide a tall task to follow up as a repeat champion.

Despite winning in 2021, Castroneves’s odds sit near the bottom of the field. That’s true of his starting position, too, as he’s looking at a 27^th place (out of 33) start. But if anyone can overcome the odds, it’s Castroneves.

The Pick

We’re taking a newcomer to win this year as Alex Palou lands a spot in victory lane. Take Palou at +700.