The Indianapolis 500 is widely regarded as one of the premier motorsports races. Taking place on a 2.5-mile track for 200 laps, it provides 500 miles of intense action. With the Monaco GP and Le Mans 24 Hours, it comprises the motorsports triple crown.
At Sportzino, we love motor racing and have put together our best Indianapolis 500 picks.
The 2024 Indy 500 Odds
The field is looking strong for the race this year, and our 2024 Indy 500 odds provide a detailed breakdown of the racers who look likely to challenge the podium. Stick with our guide to discover the favorites to walk away with the top prize!
Alex Palou +550
Despite sitting in sixth position in the IndyCar standings, Palou is the favorite for the Indy 500. Part of this is due to him setting a new record in qualifying for the 2023 race. However, he fell to fourth in the race itself, with many pointing towards his young age and lack of experience.
As a result, many feel his speed, combined with another year of experience, puts him as the frontrunner to win the 2024 Indy 500. He’s our top pick, and we think he can create a memorable moment for IndyCar fans.
Josef Newgarden +600
If Palou is the rookie searching for a big break, then Newgarden is the veteran looking to maintain his position on top. So far this season in the IndyCar standings, he’s managing it, as he’s in first place. With almost double the points of Palou and his first-position finish in the 2023 race, Newgarden is the second favorite.
It’s a strange position, as Newgarden is performing better and has a track record of winning the tournament. However, there are some caveats. Firstly, there hasn’t been a back-to-back winner of the Indy 500 in over 20 years. It makes it an unlikely event. Secondly, only 20 drivers have ever won more than one Indy 500. All of this combines to make Newgarden the second favorite despite being in red-hot form.
Pato O’Ward +650
Another young driver, but it would be incorrect to call him a rookie. He’s finished in the top ten four times out of his six years in the IndyCar series. With a third and two fourth-place finishes, O’Ward is a driver with the potential to go right to the top. He’s never won the Indy 500, and with him hitting 25 before the race, he will miss out on the chance to be the youngest-ever winner.
However, Pato is in second place in the standings, so he is in excellent form going into the event. Whether he can turn this good form into an Indy 500 win is still to be seen, but he deserves his place as the third favorite.
Scott Dixon +800
Dixon is way down in ninth place in the IndyCar standings but remains the fourth favorite due to his past performance in the event. He won the Indy 500 in 2008 and has had solid performances since then, with multiple second-place finishes. However, he hasn’t been able to push past the final hurdle and claim a second Indy 500 winner’s trophy.
While older drivers have traditionally struggled with the Indy 500, partially due to the stamina required, there has been a resurgence of older drivers after three of the last seven winners were over 40. Can Dixon make it four in eight for this year’s race? Our 2024 Indy 500 odds put him high on the list of contenders.
Colton Herta +1,400
Herta is another young racer, at just 24. However, he’s currently sitting fifth in the rankings and has substantial potential. He comes from a good racing stock, as his dad is a former IndyCar driver and is the youngest person ever to win an IndyCar race. His profile is so high that Formula One teams have shown interest in bringing him in as a driver.
He’s never won the Indy 500, so it will be a challenging race for him, but with his current high position in the standings and his ability as a racer, it is unwise to discount him as a challenger.
Will Power +1,600
Power is sitting in fourth position in the IndyCar standings in an era when many thought his time was done. However, he’s shown enough this season to prove he isn’t finished and can challenge the podium again. He’s a past Indy 500 winner, and last won the championship in 2022, so there’s no doubting Power’s pedigree.
Despite this, he is in a similar position to Dixon. He is 43, and his reflexes aren’t what they were. He will have to be at his best to win the Indy 500. He hasn’t managed to grab a win so far this season, so it would be an impressive feat to make his first of the year at the Indy 500.
How to Make 2024 Indianapolis 500 Predictions?
The best way to make Indianapolis 500 predictions is at Sportzino. We offer a substantial range of options, including prop picks. However you want to make your choices, the option is available at Sportzino.
If you’ve already created your Sportzino account, our tips will boost your potential for successful picks.
Research Drivers
Make sure to check the form of the different racers. While our odds for the Indy 500 might show one driver as the favorite, you might spot something in the formbooks to suggest something different. It’s the best way to find the most likely winner.
