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IndyCar 2023: Excitement Builds Ahead of 108th Indianapolis 500
As the racing world shifts its attention to Indianapolis this weekend, the anticipation for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 reaches a fever pitch. The excitement surrounding the series is palpable, with Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin setting the fastest-ever pole speed last weekend, averaging an astonishing 234.220 miles per hour over a four-lap run.
McLaughlin’s teammates, Will Power and Josef Newgarden, will join him on the front row, marking the first time a team has locked out the front row at Indy since Penske’s squad in 1988. This impressive performance comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for the team, which still faces challenges heading into Sunday’s race.
Kyle Larson qualified fifth and will attempt to compete in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte later Sunday night. However, weather conditions may affect his timing, with Nolan Siegel standing by as a backup option should Larson need to exit the race early. Siegel’s No. 51 car for Dale Coyne Racing was the only car that failed to qualify last weekend.
Eight former Indy winners are in the field this week, with five starting on the first four rows. Marcus Ericsson is the lowest qualifying past winner, struggling to recover from a crash in practice over a week ago. Helio Castroneves has the chance to make history with a record-breaking fifth 500 win, having captured his fourth in 2021.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, constructed by Carl G. Fisher in 1909, has built a legacy as “The Racing Capital of the World,” making motorsports synonymous with the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Besides the 500, IMS has hosted NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix, and numerous other racing and non-racing events over the years.
A lap around Indianapolis begins at the “Yard of Bricks,” the only remaining bricks on the 2.5-mile track. The course features challenging turns, including the daunting Turn 1, and the 0.625-mile long back stretch, where drivers can reach speeds of up to 240 miles per hour.
Sunday’s race will consist of 200 laps, spanning 500 miles. The current IndyCar 2023 standings have Alex Palou leading the pack with 152 points, followed closely by Will Power with 140 points. Reigning series champion Palou has the advantage, but with qualifying points to be added to race points this weekend, the standings can change quickly.
Given the weather forecast for Sunday, with winds of 20 miles per hour or more expected, part or all of the race may be run on Monday. This could make it challenging for drivers further back in the field to pass, making Scott McLaughlin the favorite to win from pole.
Don’t miss the action on Sunday, with Final Practice (Carb Day) taking place on Friday, May 24, at 11:00 a.m. EST/15:00 GMT on Peacock/Sky Sports F1, followed by the Pit Stop Competition at 2:30 p.m. EST/18:30 GMT. The 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m. EST/15:00 GMT on NBC/Sky Sports F1, with the green flag set to drop at 12:45/16:45.
All IndyCar sessions will be covered live by IndyCar Radio, available on the official IndyCar mobile app or SiriusXM Channel 160. For international broadcasters, click here.
Stay up to date with the latest IndyCar news, IndyCar 2023 schedule, and IndyCar standings. With the excitement building towards the Indy 500, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the thrill of IndyCar racing. Will Scott McLaughlin take the win, or will another driver surprise us? Tune in on Sunday to find out.
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