Bob Pockrass' Predictions for the Indy 500

As the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 approaches, Bob Pockrass shared his predictions for the event set to take place on May 24, 2026. The green flag for what is described as "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing" is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET, with FOX coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

Fans can participate in the FOX Super 6 INDYCAR Contest, where they can predict answers to six questions before the race starts for a chance to win cash prizes. Contestants must finish in the top six to be eligible for prizes. Pockrass, a FOX Motorsports Insider, emphasized that due to the race's length and strategies involved, along with speeds exceeding 220 mph, it poses a considerable challenge in making accurate predictions.

His first prediction revolves around which former Indy 500 Winner will secure the best finishing position. Pockrass initially predicted Josef Newgarden to win — who previously clinched victories in 2023 and 2024 — despite him starting at 23rd. He acknowledged that while Helio Castroneves is pursuing a record fifth win, Newgarden also stands out, given his consistent performances, even if other contenders like Marcus Ericsson have shown notable consistency.

Next, he ranked drivers by their best finishing positions. Pockrass noted that this question is particularly challenging as all the top contenders, including Felix Rosenqvist and Pato O'Ward, will start in the first two rows. O'Ward and Rossi, who recently faced a major crash, will be in backup cars while Malukas and Rosenqvist might have the best equipment for this race. He predicted the order to be Malukas, O'Ward, Rossi, and Rosenqvist.

When asked to predict the winner, Pockrass favored Alex Palou, suggesting that he has a stable of strong teammates, unlike competing groups where Newgarden stands alone. He noted that the group with Rossi, Ferrucci, O'Ward, and Dixon has exhibited more speed collectively.

On the finishing position of Pato O’Ward, he judged him capable of finishing in the top three despite utilizing a backup car, based on his previous results across six races.

In the context of Chip Ganassi drivers, Pockrass forecasted that at least two would finish in the top five despite the unpredictable nature of the Indy 500. Finally, he examined which group might achieve the best combined finishing position, predicting that the pairing of Malukas, Ferrucci, and Sato may perform exceptionally well if any single driver faces a setback.

Fans are encouraged to engage with the FOX Super 6 INDYCAR Contest as they gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating race on May 24.