Unser, Andretti, Foyt, Mears, Rutherford - it is a competition that conjures up the greats of motor racing as The Indy 500, one of America’s most iconic events, celebrates its centennial edition tomorrow.
The Brickyard has drawn the best from all over the world. Brazil’s Helio Castroneves, England’s Dan Wheldon, Netherlands’ Arie Luyendyk and New Zealand’s Scott Dixon are among those coming from the outside that have experienced the winner’s circle.
It is the foreigners who have turned in some brilliant practice times leading up to tomorrow’s race (on ABC 9am PT). Dixon, the Indy 500 champion in 2008, turned in the fastest lap at 225.474 mph at yesterday’s final practice. Canada’s Alexandre Tagliani, the pole-sitter was second at 224.739. Third in what was called “Carb Day”, a throwback term to when engines had carburetors and mechanics made their final tweaks was the UK’s Dario Franchitti, the defending champion, came in at 224.658. 
There will also be four women in this year’s race: Dania Patrick, Simons De Silvestro, Ana Beatriz and Pippa Mann, a 27-year-old rookie from Britain.
The centennial edition will begin with an interesting mix at the front that includes four former winners and four part-time or one-off drivers in the first 11 spots. Townsend Bell and Buddy Rice can show up and win it all as can local favorite Ed Carpenter.
My prediction?
Look for the Kiwi, Scott Dixon, to take the checkered flag.
