IndyCar: 2018 Indianapolis 500 one-off driver possibilities
By Mike Knapp
Sage Karam
Sage Karam is another uber-talented young driver that just can’t find a way to stick in the IndyCar Series. But like Mann and Hildebrand, he has a history with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, so look for him as a solid bet to be in the field.
Karam impressed everyone with his rookie run in 2014. The then-19-year-old used his hyper-aggressive driving style to roll to a 9th place finish. That success hasn’t followed his last three races at the Brickyard, as his best finish was 28th this year.
In no uncertain terms, Karam needs to be in the field. He is young, talented and brash, which makes him a bit of a polarizing figure among the fanbase. But IndyCar could really use someone like Karam, both on and off the track. Having him in the field at the 500 and adding his personality in Gasoline Alley is only a positive.
J.R. Hildebrand
Like Mann, Hildebrand has a good relationship with a full-time IndyCar team. He ran a full season with Ed Carpenter Racing in 2017 but will be a one-off in 2018.
ECR remains a possible landing spot for him, and why not? Hildebrand has run four times in the 500 with them, posting three Top 10s.
Hildebrand is also consistent at the Brickyard. He has finished on the lead lap in six of his seven starts.