Can You Beat the 2024 Indy 500? Expert Betting Odds, Tips & Predictions

IndyCar 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500: Even if you are not a fan of racing, there are probably a couple of events that make you want to get your wallet out and make a wager.

One of those is more than likely the Indianapolis 500, and if that is indeed the case, then get ready to place your bets.

My Indy 500 Analysis

The 108th running of the iconic race goes on Sunday at 6 PM EST, and we have a little detail that is set to make it more interesting than ever. Weather permitting, Kyle Larson is going to attempt “The Double,” which means that he will race for NASCAR in the Coca-Cola 600 before heading to Indianapolis to drive another 500 miles in this one. It’s something that only a handful of drivers have attempted, but if the weather does not hold, he might need to pick one or the other. Whatever the case, the bookies have their odds set for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, so let’s take a look.

Scott McLaughlin IndyCar Lines +610

This is a race that tends to deliver a surprise winner and very often has little to do with current form in IndyCar. McLaughlin will certainly be hoping that proves to be the case, as he has not been at his very best this season. He finished the 2023 season in 4th overall, with many expecting him to challenge for a championship this year, but he is off the pace a little and sitting in 6th overall heading into the weekend. He does have 1 win, with that one coming in Alabama for the second straight year. This race has not been particularly kind to McLaughlin, whose best finish is 14th in 3 attempts. I don’t really like his chances here.

Josef Newgarden IndyCar Lines +640

If you don’t really follow the sport of IndyCar that much, you may want to take a chance on a former winner. In that case, you might consider taking a look at Josef Newgarden, who is having something of a troublesome start to the season. He has already been docked points after his team was caught using illegal software in his, as well as other drivers, vehicles. He has a hole to dig out of here, but the major points that are up for grabs for the winner could help him start clawing it all back. Newgarden won this race last season, but you have to go back to 2002 to find the last time a driver won in back-to-back years, which is something to consider if you are thinking of betting on Newgarden.

We have another former winner up among the favorites, with Will Power winning this race back in 2018. He followed that victory up with a 5th place finish a year later, but he hasn’t really come close since, which may raise some concerns for those of you thinking of taking a chance on Power this Sunday. To be fair, though, he has been very consistent this year and already has a trio of 2nd place finishes in 3 of the 4 official races this season. He has definitely been knocking on the door, and since he has proven that he has what it takes to win the big one, he might well be worth a very serious look at what are very decent odds.

You have to look at Larson’s attempt to perform The Double this weekend and wonder if it is a gimmick or a serious attempt to make history. One thing you need to be aware of is that the weather could well be an issue this weekend, which may force him to choose between this race and running in the NASCAR Cup Series. When pressed on the matter, Larson suggested that if it came down to making a choice, he would go with racing in the Indianapolis 500, but this is something you need to keep an eye on before you bet. If he is able to run in both races, you do have to wonder how much gas he will have left in the tank after racing for 600 miles in the NASCAR race.

So, if you were to press me to make a bit of a dark horse pick for the Indianapolis 500 this weekend, I might well lean toward Patricio O’Ward. He first ran in this race in 2020, finishing 6th and winning the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. He followed that up with back-to-back top 5 finishes, including a 2md place run in 2022. He wasn’t much of a factor last season and has been a little bit off the pace since winning the opening race of the year this season. While he has not been in great form, this seems to be a race that O’Ward really seems to get up for, so you might want to consider a top 5 wager if you don’t really like his chances to win.

This is another driver that has not really been much of a factor in IndyCar this season, but who cannot be counted out of this race. Rossi has quite the history with the Indianapolis 500, so let’s take a moment to quickly break it down. He came into IndyCar in 2016 and basically did nothing through the opening 5 races of the season before stunning everyone to win the Indy 500. He has not won it since, but he has been a consistent performer. In the 7 races since that inaugural win, he has only been outside the top 10 once. He has finished 5th in this race in each of the last 2 seasons and might well be worth taking as a top 5 finisher this time around.

Bet Indy 500 Odds

When: Sunday, May 24 at 11:00am ET – 4:00pm ET
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
TV / Streaming: NBC, Peacock, IndyCar Live, SiriusXM

Hungry for a win 🍽️

Will one of these drivers score their first #Indy500 victory on Sunday? pic.twitter.com/rk0JYeMQLT

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 24, 2024

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