Five drivers–OK, maybe six–to watch in Sunday’s 88th running of the Indianapolis 500:
1. Tony Kanaan
Age 29, Brazil
Don’t let the class-clown demeanor fool you. He’s laser-focused on the track, and is the anchor of Michael Andretti’s four-driver team.
2. Team Penske
Sam Hornish Jr. (24, United States)
Helio Castroneves (29, Brazil)
Both drive Toyotas that are underpowered compared with Hondas, but the team will compensate with pit strategy.
3. Buddy Rice
Age 28, United States
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Pole-sitter must restrain himself from overworking his Bobby Rahal-David Letterman-owned Honda too early. If he’s around at the finish, he can win.
4. Dario Franchitti
Age 31, Scotland
Missed last year’s 500 recuperating from injuries, but savvy enough, with strong enough car, for the most-photographed Victory Lane ceremony in years with wife actress Ashley Judd.
5. Kosuke Matsuura
Age 23, Japan
Dark horse. Japanese drivers are 0-for-forever in world-class open-wheel races, but Matsuura has consistently impressed here. Fastest rookie all month.