2020 Indianapolis 500 Odds and Picks

• The 2020 Indy 500 will take place on Sunday, August 23 (1:00 pm ET) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana
• Scott Dixon has won three of the first six races this season and currently leads in the standings
• Read on for a full breakdown of the odds and best bets for the race

The IndyCar season has reached the Indy 500, which is also known as The Greatest Spectacle In Racing. On Sunday, August 23rd at 1:00 PM ET, the drivers will compete at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Originally, Will Power and Josef Newgarden were favored but now Scott Dixon is in the top spot. Who is the best bet for Sunday’s race?

Odds to Win 2020 Indianapolis 500

Odds as of August 20

Dixon Has Been Red-Hot

Dixon hasn’t won the Indy 500 in a long time – since 2008 – but he’s among the favorites this year. The main reason for it is because he’s first in the IndyCar standings as he’s been nearly unstoppable in the early going. Remember, we’re only six races into the season but he’s already amassed 244 points.

Taking a look at Dixon’s track record so far, he has picked up three wins (each of the first three races this season) and then finished in the top five two other times (one was a runner-up). He has led laps in all but two races and has finished better than he’s started in five of six spots.

The Borg-Warner Trophy, awarded to the winner of this weekend's #Indy500 on @NBC, has its face mask on. 😷 pic.twitter.com/YGCkfjF3Db

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) August 20, 2020

Considering his worst result on the year is a 12th (and outside of that outlier, fifth is his worst finish), you can see why he’s among the favorites. He’s a good bet as he’s as hot as anyone.

Andretti for a Top 10?

It might seem a little odd to see Marco Andretti among the favorites. He’s fourth in line in terms of the odds, which is a bit unusual considering how he has performed this season. He also doesn’t have a solid history at this track (he actually doesn’t have a great track record anywhere).

For the first time in 33 years, an Andretti will lead the field to green in the #Indy500.

Here's the moment @MarcoAndretti got the pole at @IMS. Tune in August 23 at 1PM ET on @NBC. @FollowAndretti // @IndyCar pic.twitter.com/iZm9KRtaSl

— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) August 16, 2020

On the year, Andretti has placed in the Top 10 just once – a 10th-place result – but it did happen last week. He’s done well to earn him the pole position, which is why I have him in my picks. I’m not expecting a win – he’s only ever won one race, which was back in 2006 – but he might be a reasonable bet to finish in the Top 10 after qualifying so well.

Past Five Winners at Indy 500

VeeKay Worth a Play?

If you’re looking for a longer shot who might have a chance to win outright, take a look at Rinus VeeKay. He’ll be making his Indy 500 debut this weekend and will be the youngest driver in the field. I like the team as Chevrolet might have the most pace in their cars these days. The question is if VeeKay can hone it.

.@MarcoAndretti. @scottdixon9. @TakumaSatoRacer.

The front row for Sunday's #Indy500 at @IMS on @NBC. pic.twitter.com/VsEEsvshY9

— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) August 18, 2020

I was quite surprised by how well he qualified as he is in fourth in terms of the starting positions. His results aren’t great this season but keep in mind he hasn’t started better than 13th. He’s finished between fifth and 19th, so with a good starting spot, he might have a legitimate chance to pull this off.