The Indianapolis 500 is one of the biggest sporting events in North America and the 2013 race is expected to be one of the best in recent memory, as owner driver Ed Carpenter won the pole for the race, becoming the first owner to do so in many years and bringing some old memories full circle, while Carlos Munoz will be the first rookie to start in front since 2000 and Marco Andretti will be in third on Sunday.
Andretti will be looking to win the race to break the so called curse as he hits the Brickyard on Sunday behind Carlos Munoz and Ed Carpenter in the front of the race. For Marco, grandson of former Formula One champion Mario Andretti and son of IndyCar champion and team owner Michael, the family name is both a blessing and curse when it comes to racing at the famed Brickyard. According to folklore, the Andretti clan's bad luck at the Indianapolis 500, billed as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," began when Mario was kissed on the cheek by car owner Andy Granatelli following his 1969 triumph.
Mario raced in 29 Indy 500s and Michael 16. Mario's nephew John Andretti contested 12 Indy 500s while Jeff Andretti, Mario's youngest son, could not break the curse in three attempts at the Brickyard.
Michael Andretti, who had 42 IndyCar wins during his driving career, led more laps than any other driver never to win the Indy, crossing second once and third twice.
"It is a story, 70-plus starts and one victory is frustrating," said Marco. "Just looking at my career I could have won three of these already. Las Vegas oddsmakers apparently give little credence to the Andretti hex having installed Marco as the betting favorite for Sunday's race.
Driving for the team owned by his father, Marco will start on the outside of Row One, his best starting position in a 500.
"I've never wanted something so bad in my life," said Marco, who finished runnerup in his Indy 500 debut in 2006 and crossed third in 2008 and 2010. "Nobody could more pressure on me than I am already putting on myself.
"It's always nice to be one of favorites but I'm not foolish, I'm not over confident, I think we have a great shot at winning but we have to go out and do it."
(Reuters Quotes)
