The 2026 Indianapolis 500, the 110th edition of the iconic race, is set to take place on Sunday, with the green flag dropping at 12:45 p.m. ET at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Alex Palou, the reigning champion, will start on the pole and leads the odds at +250. He famously ended Josef Newgarden's quest for a three-peat last year, as both are part of a competitive field featuring nine past winners.

Key Odds and Drivers

• Pato O'Ward: +600 (back-to-back top three finishes)
• Josef Newgarden: +1000
• Helio Castroneves: +3000 (four-time winner)
• Katherine Legge: +30000 (attempting "The Double" with NASCAR)

Before making any predictions, bettors should consider insights from SportsLine's predictive model, which has accurately forecasted numerous race outcomes.

Model Insights

The model, developed by Mike McClure, has simulated the race 10,000 times and has a solid track record of picking winners. One notable prediction is that Scott Dixon, despite being a longshot at +1600, has a strong chance to perform well. Dixon, a past winner in 2008, has consistently finished in the top 10 and has a solid understanding of the track.

Conversely, Conor Daly, a favorite at +750, may face challenges. He hasn't participated in any IndyCar events this season, which could hinder his performance. Returning with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, the team has yet to secure a victory in the Indy 500, making it difficult to justify backing Daly at these odds.

Final Thoughts

The model also highlights two additional drivers with longer odds who could surprise on race day. As the excitement builds for the 2026 Indianapolis 500, fans and bettors alike are eager to see who will take home the coveted Borg-Warner Trophy.