The 109th Indianapolis 500 takes place Sunday, May 25, with the green flag dropping at 12:45 p.m. EDT. Pato O'Ward enters as the favorite, while rookie Robert Schwartzman makes history as the first rookie pole-sitter since 1983.

Key Race Details:

• Date: Sunday, May 25
• Start Time: 12:45 p.m. EDT
• Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Distance: 200 laps
• TV Coverage: FOX (starts 10 a.m. EDT)

Pre-Race Schedule:

• 12:24 p.m.: National anthem by Natalie Grant
• 12:29 p.m.: Drivers to cars
• 12:36 p.m.: "Back Home Again In Indiana" by Jim Cornelison
• 12:38 p.m.: Command to start engines by Roger Penske
• 12:45 p.m.: Green flag

Top Contenders and Odds:

• Alex Palou (+600): Four wins in five starts this season, leads series with 149 laps led
• Josef Newgarden: Seeking unprecedented third straight Indy 500 win but starting from back row
• Colton Herta (+2500): Strong dark horse candidate with top-10 finishes in three of last four races

Notable Storylines:

• Controversy surrounds Penske Racing after illegal modifications found on Newgarden and Power's cars
• Rookie Robert Schwartzman secured pole position but faces long odds as points standings leader
• Weather forecast shows slight chance of showers

Expert Pick: Alex Palou (+600)

• Current IndyCar Series points leader
• Two-time defending series champion
• Previous best Indy 500 finish: 2nd (2021)
• Starting position: 6th
• Qualifying speed: 231.4 mph

Dark Horse: Colton Herta (+2500)

• Youngest-ever IndyCar race winner
• Strong recent form
• Starting: Row 9
• Proven race-winning capability

Alternative betting options include top-three finishes and team winner markets, with Ganassi and Aaron McLaren co-favored at +320.

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