Good morning from Indy (Update)
There is currently a spitting-type rain at IMS which we expect to pass. We'll keep you updated.
Brian C. reporting from IMS
05/24/15
 |
| Scott Dixon will lead the field of 33 to the green flag in today's 99th running of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing |
Good morning from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s about 6:30 a.m. on a cool, slightly overcast morning with temperatures in the mid-60s. As we look out of the media center toward the northeast, the sun is beginning to rise over the turn 3 grandstands. The AR1 Central Indiana Weather Bureau expects temperatures to climb in the high 70s by the time we see the green flag around 12:05 E.T.
And although this is central Indiana, where the weather forecast seems to change every few minutes, the most recent forecast calls for almost zero chance of rain during the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500.
About the 99th Indianapolis 500…
 |
| Will Power starts alongside Dixon in the middle of Row 1 |
The general consensus here all weekend has been we're looking at a duel between the Penske and Ganassi teams for the win. In particular, many believe this is shaping up as a battle between pole sitter Scott Dixon and second-place starter Will Power. If you ask 10 people, 9 of them are bound to say Power or Dixon, with maybe a Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves or Juan Pablo Montoya sprinkled in.
One thing seems clear: the parity we've seen in recent years here at Indy, in which 11-12 drivers have a legitimate shot at winning, does not seem to be the case in 2015.
Part of the reason for this is of course, the relative lack of comparative form between Honda and Chevy. From speaking to many people, the general consensus seems to be Chevrolet is about 1.5-2 mph faster in race trim. And with both Penske and Ganassi in the Chevy stable, many believe Honda is facing an uphill battle today to win their 12th Indy 500 in 13 years.
 |
| Justin Wilson was the fastest Honda qualifier |
So, is there any way Honda can win?
While Chevy is presumed to be quicker, it appears Honda has the better fuel mileage. Also, a few drivers have noted that the 'aero-wash' from the Hondas make them more difficult to pass. Thus, if the race becomes a fuel-mileage affair, where a Honda moves out in from, the advantage may swing in that direction.
Still, when it comes to predicting a winner, I'm going with Dixon. The Ganassi team has had a very good month here, with Dixon leading the way. And although Dixon is always formidable, he just seems to have that little extra spring in his step right now. Look for the #9 Target Chevrolet in Victory Lane this afternoon.
We'll have more later. Also if you did not get a chance check out our AR1 video reports from yesterday.
Should there be a 400-miler at IMS?
Afternoon update from IMS
Brian C. reporting from IMS