Indianapolis 500-Mile Race a.k.a. Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500 is one of the most exciting events on the motorsports calendar. Despite being a part of the IndyCar Series, this event often features visitors from other sports looking to achieve glory. One such visitor is NASCAR’s Kyle Larson, who’s sitting in the shared-top spot on the list of 2025 Indy 500 favorites.
The other two are Pato O’Ward and Josef Newgarden, the man who won the last two editions of the iconic race. Will one of them win the 2025 event, or maybe we’ll see some underdog with odds longer than +1000 triumph on May 25?
| Driver | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | +700 |
| Josef Newgarden | +700 |
| Pato O’Ward | +700 |
| Alex Palou | +1000 |
| Scott Dixon | +1000 |
| Scott McLaughlin | +1000 |
| Alexander Rossi | +1400 |
| Colton Herta | +1400 |
| Santino Ferrucci | +1600 |
| Marcus Ericsson | +2200 |
| Kyle Kirkwood | +2200 |
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When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Place: Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana
- Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: FOX
Josef Newgarden, Pato O’Ward, and Kyle Larson – Favorites With +700 Indy 500 Odds
Josef Newgarden is not just the defending champ, but he’s the man who also won the year before. He thrives on this track, and he’s backed by Team Penske, the most dominant team in Indy 500 history with 20 wins in 108 editions.
While Newgarden hasn’t done much in the 2025 IndyCar season, Pato O’Ward has. This guy is sitting in fourth place in the Driver Standings and his form keeps improving, which explains why he’s also priced at +700. Another reason for this is that the Mexican driver is the one who won the No. 2 place last year at Indianapolis Speedway.
Then there’s Kyle Larson. The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion is attempting the elusive “Double Duty,” racing in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Only 10 drivers have done this, and none have won either race while attempting both. A win at Indy would instantly elevate Larson to legend status.
Other Drivers Who Could Shine at 2025 Indy 500
Alex Palou was the top Indy 500 favorite last year, but he finished in fifth place. He’s the reigning IndyCar champion and a two-time series winner (2021, 2023), but there’s one box he still hasn’t ticked – the Indianapolis 500.
He’s been knocking on the door for years, finishing in the top 10 in each of the last four editions. His closest call came in 2021 when he crossed the line second.
Scott Dixon is also someone to pay attention to. A six-time IndyCar champion and one of the most respected names in racing, Dixon has done it all – except win the Indy 500 more than once.
His lone victory at the Brickyard came way back in 2008. At 44, the New Zealand legend isn’t done yet. Ending his 17-year Indy drought would be a fitting addition to his already stacked résumé.
2025 Indy500 Prediction
Kyle Larson is our Indy500 pick. We think he’s the best driver on the roster, who also seems to love driving in Indiana. Although he’s never won the Indy 500, he did do well in some NASCAR races held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For example, he’s the one who won the Brickyard 400 race last year.
One final reason why we’re backing Larson to win the May 25 race is that he’s got a lot of motivation to do so. The thing is that he’s set his eye on doing Double Duty, that is, winning the Indy 500 race and the Coca-Cola 600 over the Memorial Day Weekend.
But will his plan come true; will he win the NASCAR race? To see what we think, make sure to read our 2025 Coca-Cola 600 preview!
Pick: Kyle Larson