The 2011 Indianapolis 500 is upon us and now is time to focus of the drivers who have the best chance at tasting milk in Victory Row on Sunday afternoon. The Indy 500 is not a race in which an extreme underdog sneaks up and steals the race…(usually)<\/p>\n
2011 Indianapolis 500 The Indianapolis 500 will take place Sunday, May 29 from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at Noon ET. This year\u2019s field is wide open as per usual but the winner will likely come from one of the common names in Indy Car Racing. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the players and which of them should emerge victorious.<\/p>\n The Favorites<\/strong><\/p>\n Dario Franchitti +350 – Indy 500: 7 starts, best start 3rd, 2 wins (2007, 2010), 27 career Indycar wins<\/p>\n Dario Franchitti has emerged as the oddsmakers co-favorite for the big race and rightfully so. He is a two-time winner of the Indy 500 as he won the title in 2007 and 2010 and has failed to finish outside of the Top Seven in any of his last five starts at the Big Race. This season, Franchitti has one win and has finished in the Top Four of each of the Indy Car races so far. He is in top form and boasts one of the better teams in the land.<\/p>\n Scott Dixon +350 – Indy 500: 8 starts, 1 pole, 1 win (2008), 25 career Indycar wins<\/p>\n Dixon is also a former winner of the Race but has recently taken a backseat to his own teammate Dario Franchitti. But this season it has been Helio Castroneves that has been the major thorn in his side. Dixon should be the most motivated car in the race \u2013 he would love to gain the upper hand on Franchitti and would love to rub a victory in the nose of Castroneves.<\/p>\n Dixon has been terrific at the Indy 500 but has really struggled so far in the Indycar series \u2013 finishing second once and finishing outside the Top 10 in the other three races. Dixon will start on the first row on Sunday but at +350, it might be best to look elsewhere.<\/p>\n The Other Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n Alex Tagliani +550<\/p>\n Tagliani is a true veteran of the sport and won the pole for the Big Race. Impressive indeed! But consider that he has never finished better than 10th in this race. Although the pole sitter has fared well traditionally in this race, when push comes to shove, Tagliani is likely just another chaser.<\/p>\n Will Power +600<\/strong><\/p>\n Known as one of the best road course drivers on the circuit, Power would love to prove that he is equally dangerous on the Oval. If there is anyone deserving of a win at the 500 it is Power \u2013 he has won two of the four races on the IRL circuit this season and he finished second in another.<\/p>\n The Best Value<\/strong><\/p>\n Helio Castroneves +1000 – Indy 500: 10 starts, 4 poles, 3 wins (2001, 2002, 2009), 25 career Indycar wins<\/p>\n Castroneves has had a rough start to the IRL season but if anyone can bounce back it is the veteran and Indy 500 Dominator Castroneves. He has won the race three times and has a chance to tie some legitimate legends in the sport with his fourth win at the Race. He has experience, confidence on this track and a strong motivated team on Sunday \u2013 at +1000 he`s certainly worth a look!<\/p>\n Tony Kanaan +2500 – Indy 500: 9 starts, 1 pole, best start 2nd, 15 career Indycar wins<\/p>\n Kanaan has had issues finding a ride but now that he has one, he could emerge in a race that he has traditionally run well at but has had some terrible luck. Kanaan will be looking to impress his new team \u2013 a group that has looked good in previous 500`s. Kanaan will be motivated on Sunday and could be prime for a major surprise!<\/p>\n The Winner:<\/strong> Dario Franchitti +350 looks like the man to beat on Sunday \u2013 he is on quite a role and he absolutely loves this track.
\nRace Date: Sunday, May 29, 2011
\nLocation: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Ind.
\nPre-Race Coverage: 11AM ET
\nGreen Flag: Noon ET
\nTV Coverage: ABC<\/strong><\/p>\n