Breaking News: Team Penske and Chevrolet Face Crucial Month of May After Slow Start; PREMA and Title Contenders Need Strong Performances to Keep Up with Dominant Alex Palou
In an unexpected twist, record-breaking Team Penske is yet to snatch a series win this season, leaving them surprisingly low in the standings. Meanwhile, Chevrolet, despite a promising start with Honda, faces a crucial test this month to maintain their momentum. PREMA, the ambitious European team new to the INDYCAR scene, is desperate for a solid Month of May to establish themselves in the series. Adding to the pressure, early season title favorites – Scott Dixon, Pato O’Ward, Colton Herta, and the Penske trio – need to turn up the heat in May to keep pace with reigning champion Alex Palou. The stage is set for an action-packed May, with opener Barber Motorsports Park on May 4 and the prestigious Indianapolis 500 on May 25.
May Madness: Who Needs a Strong Month in INDYCAR?
Team Penske: Time to Shine
Can you believe it’s already May in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES? It’s shaping up to be Team Penske‘s month – not that they need much help, but their current standing suggests they do. After three races, Penske drivers find themselves unusually low in the rankings, at 8th, 9th, and tied for 10th.
But history tells us different. Penske’s drivers have been consistent top contenders, with at least one of them finishing in the top three each of the past 17 seasons. So, expect them to bounce back this month, starting with the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park on May 4.
Then, they’ll head to the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on May 10. With five wins and six poles at the IMS road course, Will Power will be aiming to add to his impressive record.
The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 25 is, of course, the highlight of the month. Josef Newgarden is gunning for a historic third consecutive win. If anyone can turn Penske’s fortunes around, it’s these three.
Chevrolet: Time for a Manufacturer Showdown
While the driver standings might be tight, the manufacturer battle is heating up. Honda has stormed to a 3-for-3 start, with two wins from Alex Palou and a victory by Kyle Kirkwood in Long Beach. But May is traditionally Chevrolet‘s time to shine.
Chevrolet has won seven of the last nine races at Barber, including the past three. And with Josef Newgarden‘s back-to-back Indy 500 wins, the pressure is on for Chevy to deliver.
However, the Sonsio Grand Prix at the IMS road course could be a stumbling block. Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Global, both Honda teams, have won the last three May road course races there. If Honda maintains its momentum from the start of the season, this could be a make-or-break month for Chevrolet.
PREMA Racing: A New Team’s Time to Impress
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES welcomed PREMA Racing this season, and the European junior formula racing powerhouse is eager to make its mark. But it’s been a challenge so far, with neither Callum Ilott nor Robert Shwartzman cracking the second round of qualifying or finishing in the top half of the grid.
May could be their turning point. Ilott and Shwartzman have shown promise on road courses, and with races at Barber and the IMS road course, they could be in the mix for top-15 finishes. A solid performance in these races, along with staying out of trouble at the Indy 500, could help PREMA establish itself in the series.
Title Contenders: Time to Turn Up the Heat
As we enters this crucial month, a few preseason title contenders find themselves in need of a breakthrough. Three-time and reigning champion Alex Palou leads the standings, but the likes of Scott Dixon, Pato O’Ward, Colton Herta, and the Penske trio are all within striking distance – but they need to start performing.
Palou’s consistency – he’s finished in the top five in 26 of his last 34 points-paying starts – means these drivers can’t afford to give him too much room. If they don’t step up in May, it might be too late to catch him in the championship chase.
FAQs
- Q: Which race kicks off the Month of May? The Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park on May 4.
- Q: Which manufacturer has dominated the Month of May recently? Chevrolet has been particularly strong in May, with seven wins in the last nine races at Barber and consistently strong performances at the Indianapolis 500.
- Q: Which team is looking to make a name for itself in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES? PREMA Racing, the series’ newest team, is eager to prove itself on the track.
Call to Action
With so much on the line in the Month of May, you won’t want to miss a moment of the action. Follow INDYCAR on social media, and catch the races live on NBC or streaming on Peacock. And don’t forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!