A race that began in 2014 as an experiment to try to draw more fans to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during May has turned into a popular, well attended event.

Now known as The Sonsio Grand Prix, the road course race kicks off the month of May at the Speedway. The speedway counts 20 races on its road course, including the two Harvest Classic races during the pandemic, the season opener in 2020, and the second race which ran during Brickyard weekend.

Team Penske, as expected, has won eight times on the circuit which winds through the infield, although Alex Palou has won the last two years, and is a heavy favorite to win again.

If you’re looking for a different type of race than the processional caution free shows the season has presented so far, I suggest you wait another couple of weeks. In the past two years, there has been one caution each in 2023 and 2024. Last year the caution lasted two laps in the last third of the race. In 2023 the only yellow came on lap 2 and lasted three laps. Coincidentally car 51 was involved both years.

The best races have been when the track was wet. Colton Herta’s win in 2022 on a very rainy day was one of my favorite races anywhere. Simon Pagenaud chased down Scott Dixon to win in 2019 on a damp track where tire strategy played a huge role.

In an attempt to put on a better show, IndyCar has modified the tire requirements for this weekend. Teams must use two sets of the alternate tires and two sets of the primary tires. The requirement to use a sticker set of alternates is not in effect. Teams have five sets of primaries and four sets of reds.

Will it help? Possibly. The race is normally a three-stop event, so the rule is not adding a stop, but it might take away a fuel saving attempt. I’m optimistic but should there be an early caution a tire only stop is possible.

It would be easy to concede the win to Palou, but I think his spell will break Saturday. Christian Lundgaard is coming on strong, and I think he just might be standing on top of the podium at the end of the day.

Other questions to ponder during the two day event-

Will Team Penske get back to their usual selves at a track they have dominated? Can Kyle Kirkwood rebound from his worst showing of the season last Sunday? Does Rinus VeeKay give Dale Coyne Racing another top 10? VeeKay has won on this track.

I will be on site this weekend. look for throughout each day leading up to the race. I can’t wait to get back to IMS and start the month of May.