Let me tell you something, my friends, there is nothing quite like the Indy 500. I mean, we’re talking about cars going around a giant circle for hours on end, all in the name of getting to that checkered flag first. And let me tell you, these drivers are some of the most skilled, daring individuals on the planet.
The Lineup
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to keep track of who’s starting where. Luckily for us, there’s a printable PDF of the starting grid available. I mean, are we living in the future or what?
But let’s take a closer look at some of these drivers, shall we? First up, we’ve got Simon Pagenaud starting in pole position. Now, this is a guy who’s won the IndyCar championship before, so he knows what he’s doing. He’s driving for Team Penske, which is basically the New York Yankees of motorsports.
Next to him on the front row, we’ve got Ed Carpenter. This guy’s from Indiana, born and raised, so you know he’s going to have some hometown support. He’s been driving in the IndyCar series for over a decade now, so he’s got plenty of experience.
Over on the second row, we’ve got a couple of familiar names. First, there’s Will Power, who won the Indy 500 a couple of years ago. You might remember him from such races as “Every Other Race In The IndyCar Series.” And then there’s Josef Newgarden, who won the championship last year. He’s another Team Penske driver, and he’s definitely one to watch.
The Drivers
But the Indy 500 isn’t just about the guys up front. There are 33 drivers in total, and they’re all going to be out there giving it their all. Let’s take a look at some of the other drivers you might want to keep an eye on:
- Helio Castroneves: This guy has won the Indy 500 three times before. Three times! He’s driving for a new team this year, but you can never count him out.
- Scott Dixon: If you’re looking for consistency, Dixon is your guy. He’s won the championship four times, and he’s always a threat at the Indy 500.
- Alexander Rossi: He won the Indy 500 as a rookie in 2016, so you know he’s got the chops. Plus, he’s got one of the coolest names in the series.
- Takuma Sato: He won the race in 2017, but he’s probably best known for causing a wreck in the last lap of the 2012 race. Hey, everybody makes mistakes.
- Fernando Alonso: Okay, I’ll be honest, I don’t really know who this guy is. Apparently he’s a famous Formula 1 driver who’s trying to win the “Triple Crown” of motorsports (which includes the Indy 500). But hey, if he’s good enough for McLaren, he’s good enough for me.
The Experience
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But funny person, why should I care about a bunch of cars going in circles?” Let me tell you, my friend, the Indy 500 is about so much more than that. It’s about the experience.
First of all, you’ve got the crowd. Thousands upon thousands of people descending upon Indianapolis for one day to watch some cars go around a track. And let me tell you, these people know how to party.
Then you’ve got the traditions. The singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” the drinking of milk in victory lane, the four-wide salute to the fans. These are the things that make the Indy 500 so special.
And of course, you’ve got the history. This race has been going on for over a century. People like A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Danica Patrick have all tried to win it. It’s a part of American culture, a symbol of Memorial Day weekend.
The Conclusion
So there you have it, my friends. The Indy 500 starting grid is set, the drivers are ready, and the fans are excited. This is going to be one heck of a race, and I for one can’t wait to see what happens.
And hey, if you’re not into cars going around in circles for hours on end, that’s okay. There’s plenty of things to watch on TV today. But for me, there’s nothing quite like the Indy 500.
