The stage is set for one of the most thrilling events in motorsports: the Indianapolis 500. This year, a formidable field of 36 entries has been confirmed for the iconic race, promising an intense battle for supremacy at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With only 33 coveted starting spots available on the grid, the stakes are incredibly high, meaning three drivers will face the heartbreak of elimination during the fiercely competitive qualifying sessions one week prior to the 103rd running of IndyCar’s most celebrated event.
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The Greatest Spectacle in Racing: Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500 is more than just a race; it’s a spectacle steeped in over a century of tradition, speed, and unforgettable moments. Often dubbed “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” it draws hundreds of thousands of fans to the famous Brickyard every Memorial Day weekend. This grueling 500-mile contest challenges drivers and teams to their absolute limits, demanding precision, strategy, and sheer bravery. The unique qualifying format, with its nail-biting “bump day” drama where drivers fight for every tenth of a second to secure a spot, only adds to the immense pressure and excitement leading up to the main event.
This year’s edition is particularly charged with anticipation, featuring a compelling mix of seasoned veterans, ambitious rookies, and a global superstar making a highly anticipated return. The diversity in the entry list highlights the international appeal and competitive depth of the NTT IndyCar Series, ensuring a captivating race from start to finish.
Fernando Alonso’s Quest for the Triple Crown
Among the most prominent names on the entry list is two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who is embarking on his second attempt to conquer the Indianapolis 500. Representing McLaren, powered by Chevrolet, Alonso’s presence elevates the global interest in the race. His ambition extends beyond simply winning; he is chasing one of the most elusive achievements in motorsports: the ‘Triple Crown’. This prestigious accolade requires winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500. Only one driver in history, the legendary Graham Hill, has managed to accomplish this extraordinary feat.
Alonso’s first foray into the Indy 500 in 2017 was incredibly impressive for a rookie, as he led laps and ran competitively before an engine failure ended his challenge. His return with McLaren marks a significant moment for the team as well, signaling their renewed, independent commitment to the iconic oval race. McLaren boasts a rich history at the Indy 500, having claimed victory three times between 1972 and 1976 – once as a customer team and twice as a constructor. This year, their partnership with Alonso aims to revive that glorious past and help the Spanish ace etch his name deeper into racing folklore by securing the final jewel in his Triple Crown.
A Field of Champions: Past Winners and Record Chasers
The 2019 Indianapolis 500 grid is exceptionally strong, featuring no fewer than seven past winners of the race, each bringing a wealth of experience and an unyielding desire for another taste of victory lane. This elite group includes formidable series regulars such as Scott Dixon, the New Zealander known for his consistent brilliance; Will Power, the Australian speedster and a former Indy 500 champion; Tony Kanaan, the popular Brazilian veteran who delivered an emotional victory in 2013; Alexander Rossi, the American talent who famously won as a rookie in 2016; Ryan Hunter-Reay, another American fan favorite and winner in 2014; and Takuma Sato, the Japanese driver who secured a dramatic victory in 2017.
Adding to this esteemed roster is the legendary Helio Castroneves, a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. The charismatic Brazilian is aiming to make history by tying the record for most wins in the race, a monumental achievement currently held by just three motorsports titans: four-time winners AJ Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears. Castroneves’s pursuit of a fourth Borg-Warner Trophy adds a compelling narrative to an already exciting race, as he seeks to join an exclusive club of racing legends.
The presence of so many former champions not only elevates the competition but also ensures that every lap will be a strategic masterclass, as these drivers know exactly what it takes to navigate the unique challenges of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and ultimately claim victory.
Exciting Debuts and Determined Returns
Beyond the established stars, the 2019 entry list features a wave of fresh talent making their highly anticipated debuts at the Indy 500. Former Sauber Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson transitions to the fiercely competitive world of IndyCar oval racing, a significant career shift that will test his adaptability and skill. He is joined by fellow rookies Jordan King, a former Formula 2 competitor; Felix Rosenqvist, a rising star who has already impressed in IndyCar; Patricio O’Ward, a promising young talent from Mexico; Ben Hanley, another international debutant; and Colton Herta, one of the youngest and most exciting American prospects. These newcomers face a steep learning curve, as the unique demands of high-speed oval racing require a distinct set of skills and courage.
Adding further drama to the field are drivers returning with renewed determination after previous disappointments. Both James Hinchcliffe and Pippa Mann, who agonizingly failed to qualify for last year’s race, are back for another attempt. Their stories highlight the intense pressure and the fine margins involved in securing a starting spot in the Indy 500. Their resilience and commitment to overcome past setbacks will resonate with fans and add an extra layer of emotional investment to the qualifying sessions.
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While the majority of the entries have confirmed drivers, the occupants of the third Schmidt-Peterson entry and the sole Juncos car are still to be announced. These final confirmations will complete the full 36-car roster, setting the stage for the crucial qualifying weekend.
2019 Indianapolis 500 Entry List
Below is the confirmed list of entries for the 2019 Indianapolis 500, showcasing the diverse teams, engines, and the talent assembled for this historic race:
| Car number | Driver | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Josef Newgarden | Penske | Chevrolet |
| 3 | Helio Castroneves | Penske | Chevrolet |
| 4 | Matheus Leist | Foyt | Chevrolet |
| 5 | James Hinchcliffe | Schmidt Peterson | Honda |
| 7 | Marcus Ericsson | Schmidt Peterson | Honda |
| 9 | Scott Dixon | Ganassi | Honda |
| 10 | Felix Rosenqvist | Ganassi | Honda |
| 12 | Will Power | Penske | Chevrolet |
| 14 | Tony Kanaan | Foyt | Chevrolet |
| 15 | Graham Rahal | RLL | Honda |
| 18 | Sebastien Bourdais | Coyne with Vasser-Sullivan | Honda |
| 19 | Santino Ferrucci | Coyne | Honda |
| 20 | Ed Carpenter | Carpenter | Chevrolet |
| 21 | Spencer Pigot | Carpenter | Chevrolet |
| 22 | Simon Pagenaud | Penske | Chevrolet |
| 23 | Charlie Kimball | Carlin | Chevrolet |
| 24 | Sage Karam | Dreyer & Reinbold | Chevrolet |
| 25 | Conor Daly | Andretti | Honda |
| 26 | Zach Veach | Andretti | Honda |
| 27 | Alexander Rossi | Andretti | Honda |
| 28 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Andretti | Honda |
| 30 | Takuma Sato | RLL | Honda |
| 31 | Patricio O’Ward | Carlin | Chevrolet |
| 32 | TBA | Juncos | Chevrolet |
| 33 | James Davison | Coyne with Byrd and Belardi | Honda |
| 39 | Pippa Mann | Clauson-Marshall | Chevrolet |
| 42 | Jordan King | RLL | Honda |
| 48 | JR Hildebrand | Dreyer & Reinbold | Chevrolet |
| 59 | Max Chilton | Carlin | Chevrolet |
| 60 | Jack Harvey | Meyer Shank | Honda |
| 63 | Ed Jones | Carpenter | Chevrolet |
| 66 | Fernando Alonso | McLaren | Chevrolet |
| 77 | TBA | Schmidt Peterson | Honda |
| 81 | Ben Hanley | DragonSpeed | Chevrolet |
| 88 | Colton Herta | Harding Steinbrenner | Honda |
| 98 | Marco Andretti | Andretti-Herta | Honda |
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Anticipation Builds for the Indianapolis 500
With an incredible roster of talent, compelling storylines from veteran champions to eager rookies, and the sheer prestige of the event itself, the 2019 Indianapolis 500 is poised to be an unforgettable chapter in motorsports history. The journey to victory will be fraught with challenges, from the high-pressure qualifying sessions to the relentless 500 miles of racing. As the engines roar to life at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fans around the world will be watching to see who will conquer the Brickyard and etch their name into the annals of racing glory.
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