Beyond the Flag
Fansided

2018 Indy 500: Way-too-early driver power rankings

By Asher Fair

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: A general view of the start of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: A general view of the start of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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AVONDALE, AZ – APRIL 06: Charlie Kimball, driver of the #23 Carlin Chevrolet IndyCar (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
AVONDALE, AZ – APRIL 06: Charlie Kimball, driver of the #23 Carlin Chevrolet IndyCar (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

#32 through #29

. No. 59. Carlin Motorsport, Chevrolet. MAX CHILTON. #32

Max Chilton led more laps than any other driver in last year’s Indy 500 when he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing, as he led 50 of the race’s 200 laps. But now he drives for a new team, Carlin Motorsport, and they have been the slowest of the 10 full-time teams up until this point in the season. He could be at risk of not even qualifying for this year’s Indy 500.

#31. . No. 23. Carlin Motorsport, Chevrolet. CHARLIE KIMBALL

Charlie Kimball also led a few laps in last year’s Indy 500 when he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing, and he also now drives for Carlin Motorsport alongside Max Chilton. Given Kimball’s IndyCar experience advantage and the fact that he does have a top 10 finish already this season, he is probably less likely to be bumped from this year’s Indy 500 field than his teammate is.

PIETRO FITTIPALDI. #30. . No. 19. Dale Coyne Racing, Honda

Pietro Fittipaldi has never driven in the Indy 500 before, so this year’s Indy 500 will be a great learning experience for him. Given the fact that Dale Coyne Racing were one of the fastest teams in last year’s Indy 500, expect Fittipaldi to at least qualify for this year’s Indy 500 even if he ends up qualifying toward the back of the pack. It is, however, definitely hard to see him running toward the front of the pack.