Guide To The 2023 Indianapolis 500: Indy 500 Predictions

Racing is a thrilling sport that tests the skill and nerve of drivers who compete to see who has the most verve. Among all sporting events, Indianapolis 500 is the world’s largest and oldest single-day spectator. Over 300k people from all across America and worldwide converge on the two-and-a-half-mile oval on the west side of Indianapolis and the aptly named town, Speedway.

The 107^th Indianapolis 500 is set for Sunday, May 28, 2023. The event will be the 6^th race of the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series season and represents the closest and fastest field in history. Why? Read on to find out. In this article, you will meet the qualifying drivers, read the predictions, and learn some tips to place successful, fun bets on the Indy 500, 2023.

More Than A Race: A 100 Years of Indy 500

People always say this place has a Celestial Aura to it. It decides who the winner is! You go anywhere in the world; the 500 is what people know when you say you are from Indiana or Indianapolis. Is Indianapolis without the 500? Absolutely not! This is what Indy is!

IMS(Indianapolis Motor Speedway), the Racing Capital Of The World, was built in 1909. Carl Fisher, James Allison, Arthur Newby, and Frank Wheeler were the four founders. Carl Fisher was an early Automotive enthusiast. He was really appalled by how the American cars fared compared to their European counterparts. So, he had this mission to build a test track to test Automobiles and really make them on par if not better with the European competition.

The first 500 was pretty interesting. No one knew what was going to happen. The track was built in 1909, and there were smaller races throughout the summer of 1909 and 1910. The management wanted to have a major race year and draw everyone in. The event was a success from the beginning. Forty cars were qualified for the race. The estimated number of spectators was 80k to 100k, which was, at the time, the largest sporting event. The 500 is still the largest single-day sporting event. It is the world’s largest sporting Arena. There are years when more than 350k people were present infield.

The 500 track is so rich in history, and this is what separates it from other sporting events. The Indy 500 is not just a race but a tradition and culture.

F1 VS Indy Cars: Is F1 Faster And More Dangerous?

F1 and IndyCar are different types of open-wheel racing that differ in their engines, tires, pit stops, circuits, and top speeds. F1 cars have hybrid engines with horsepower between 800 and 1,000 and can accelerate faster but have a top speed of 200mph and 15,000 RPM. IndyCar cars have twin biturbo engines with horsepower between 550 and 750 and can reach top speeds of 235mph but accelerate slower.

Since F1 cars are designed to be fast through corners and turns, they can accelerate faster than IndyCar single-seated formula racing cars. However, IndyCar may have a higher top speed. F1 cars have much more downforce. As a result, they accelerate up to speed quicker than IndyCars and gain a lot of time in the corners.

Regarding danger levels, both F1 and IndyCar are equally dangerous, as they can reach top speeds of over 225 mph.

Indianapolis 500 Schedule

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has four corners with 9-degree, 12-minute banking, making it feel more like a road course than an oval. Each corner is unique, and the weather influences the car’s behavior.

Friday, May 26: Miller Lite Carb Day

It is the final practice day, known as Carb Day. It is the ultimate kickstart to the greatest weekend in racing! This high-energy party features thrilling action both on and off the track as the world prepares for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Saturday, May 27: Legends Day

The day before the Indy 500 is unique as racing enthusiasts can meet their favorite NTT INDYCAR SERIES star drivers during the full-field autograph session. Better yet, fans can attend the Public Drivers’ Meeting. It is a meeting where drivers receive their final instructions before Race Day.

Sunday, May 28: Indianapolis 500 Presented By Gainbridge

Finally, it’s the big day, and the buzz of energy is in the Indiana air! Don’t forget to join the fun!

Meet The Indy 500 Drivers

Thirty-four drivers and teams will compete for 33 spots on the field; of course, only one will take home the Sport’s biggest prize on May 28^th. Familiar faces like Juan Pablo Montoya, Jimmy Johnson,  J.R Hildebrand, and Sage Karamar are absent this year, but the 34 drivers represent a diverse and talented background in Motorsports. Let’s meet the nine former Champions who qualified for this year’s field.

1. Marcus Ericsson(Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda Sweeden): 2022 champion and coming to defend his title!
2. Helio Castroneves(Meyer Shank Racing-Honda Brazil): Won Indy 500 four times, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021.
3. Takuma Sato(Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda Japan): Twice winner, 2017 and 2020.
4. Simon Pagenaud(Meyer Shank Racing-Honda France): The Indy 2019 winner.
5. Will Power(Team Penske- Chevrolet Australia): the Indy 2018 winner is looking to find his winning form once again!
6. Alexander Rossi(Arrow Mclaren- Chevrolet United States): The Indy 2016 winner.
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay(Dreyer&Reinbold Racing- Chevrolet United States): 18 IndyCar victories looking for an Indy 500 trophy!
8. Tony Kanaan(Arrow Mclaren- Chevrolet Brazil): The 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner claims this is his last Indy 500.
9. Scott Dixon(Chip Ganassi Racing- Honda New Zealand): The Indy 2008 winner.

2023 Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Results And Winner Odds

Indy fans, rejoice. The Indy 500 is around the corner, and in less than a week, we will get to watch 33 tough drivers competing for one of the most prestigious titles in motor racing. The 2023 average qualifying speed for the 33 drivers was 232.184 mph, better than the previous year, making this year’s field the fastest in the event’s history.

There are 9 previous champions among the 33 drivers, but none is the winning favorite. According to top sportsbooks, like BetMGM, several young drivers have the best chance of winning.

Tips For Indy 500 2023 Betting

• Indy 500 betting is similar to horse racing, and the most common type of bet is picking the race winner. This type of bet offers high payouts but also involves high risks. Sportsbooks also offer bet slips on matchups(head-to-head bets between two or more drivers) and props(bets on specific events or outcomes in the race).
• Apart from the general sports betting knowledge, you should consider the qualifying speed, starting position, team and equipment, driver’s experience and skill, and the weather and track conditions, if you want to place successful Indy 500 wagers.
• Like other sports, records and stats come in handy while betting on the 2023 Indianapolis 500. So, make sure to look at drivers’ past performances and recent form before wagering. Practice sessions and carb day results and performance are helpful in deciding how they are adjusting to the track.
• If you are a newbie to sports betting, make sure to keep your stakes low and learn the basics before the big day. You can read our guide on Formula One and horse race betting to arm yourself with the knowledge required.

Fun Facts About The Indy 500

Wrap Up On Indy 500

Indianapolis 500 is not just a motorsport event but a tradition and culture. The best and most skilled Indycar drivers compete for the biggest title in the league. This year will be the fastest and most furious Indy 500 race ever! Familiar names and previous champions will race head to head to win the title.

Buckle Up and join the race!

Indy 500 Predictions Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who Is Favored To Win 2023 Indy 500?

Alex Palou is the favored driver to win this year’s race.

2. What Are Top Legit US Sportsbook For Indy 500 Betting?

Betonline, Bovada, BetMGM, and Mybookie are the best legit online sportsbooks.

3. Who won the 2022 Indy 500?

 Marcus Ericsson was the last year’s winner.

4. Who Won The 2023 Indy 500 Pole Position?

Alex Palou won with a record-breaking qualifying speed of 234.217.

5. Who Has The Longest Shot To Win The Indy 500 Race In 2023?

Sting Ray Robb, a 21-year-old driver who will start 31^st in the race, has the longest shot to win.

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