IndyCar: Way-too-early 2022 Indy 500 starting lineup
By Asher Fair
Indy 500 qualifying – Rows 5 and 6 (13th to 18th)
13. Pato O’Ward, #5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet
Arrow McLaren SP haven’t been known for their Indy 500 qualifying speed, but expect them to give Pato O’Ward a car capable of winning the race.
14. Conor Daly, #20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet
Nobody led more laps in last year’s Indy 500 than Conor Daly, only for him to be derailed by a flying tire. He is well-positioned to have similar success in 2022.
15. Helio Castroneves, #06 Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Just how quick will Meyer Shank Racing be at Indy as the defending race winners? Regardless of qualifying pace, look for Helio Castroneves to challenge for a record-breaking fifth Indy 500 win.
16. Felix Rosenqvist, #7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet
Despite a lack of results since joining Arrow McLaren SP last year, Felix Rosenqvist is an early dark horse Indy 500 candidate after taking pole at Texas Motor Speedway.
17. Simon Pagenaud, #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Simon Pagenaud hasn’t started higher than row nine since he won the Indy 500 from the pole position in 2019. That should change following his move to Meyer Shank Racing.
18. Jimmie Johnson (R), #48 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
“Jimmie Johnson Mania” at the Indy 500 proves to be legitimate after he backs up his sixth place finish in his IndyCar oval debut with a solid row six qualifying effort.