Today’s question: What's one element of the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge that sets the stage for the rest of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season?

Felix Rosenqvist

Curt Cavin: The second half of any NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is not only about this year’s races; it’s about setting driver lineups for the next season. In this case, chalk up job security to Felix Rosenqvist (photo, top and above). Look, I think there was a strong chance Rosenqvist was going to be retained by Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian – perhaps he’s already has a contract for 2027 – but there were whispers this spring that the team was going to be an attractive option for some of the sport’s elite. Remember, MSR soon will field the car representing Honda’s charter. Now, the winner of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge has put himself to enjoy more than the rich spoils of victory – I think it keeps him in the No. 60 Honda for another contract cycle.

Alex Palou

Eric Smith: I’m thinking about Alex Palou and how maybe he’s becoming human after all. Palou (photo, above) was the favorite entering both Month of May races -- the Sonsio Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. He started on pole for each. He led 23 of 85 laps in the May 9 road course race and a race-high 59 of 200 laps in the “500” but didn’t win either, finishing fifth and seventh, respectively. Pit strategy cost him both races, as Palou stayed out during the first caution in the Sonsio Grand Prix and ended up on the wrong side of strategy in the “500.” When’s the last time that happened, let alone in back-to-back races? Despite that, his points lead grew from 17 to 37 over second place. So maybe, even while looking human, he’s still firmly in the driver’s seat for a fourth consecutive championship. Palou has won two of the three street races this season and finished second in the other. That’s a tough trend to buck this weekend in Detroit.

David Malukas

Paul Kelly: I picked David Malukas to win the 110th Indianapolis 500 in last week’s Inside Line – oh, so close! I also alluded to how I doubted if Malukas (photo, above) was ready for the pressure and performance expectations of a Team Penske ride earlier this season and how his performance through the first six races of the season erased those questions. Well, after last Sunday, it’s clear Malukas is the leader of Team Penske’s revival this season, with all three of its drivers in the top eight of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings after its drivers finished ninth (Will Power), 10th (Scott McLaughlin) and 12th (Josef Newgarden) at the end of last season. Two runner-up finishes in the Month of May at Indianapolis helped Malukas jump to second in the standings after seven of 18 races. Now he faces an even more daunting challenge: Chasing and catching four-time and three-time reigning series champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, who leads by 37 points. I won’t doubt Malukas again. He already has superb speed on ovals. If he can find a bit more pace on road and street courses, I think he can stay in touch with Palou through the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. I didn’t expect it this soon, but Malukas’ time is now. He’s ready for the moment.