INDIANAPOLIS — Six former champions are among the drivers named to the entries filed for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on May 24.
Thirty-three drivers have been named for 34 entries. The former Indianapolis 500 champions entered are: Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014), Tony Kanaan (2013) and Scott Dixon (2008), Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002 and 2009) and Juan Pablo Montoya (2000), and Buddy Lazier (1996).
Castroneves is attempting to become the fourth four-time winner of the race, joining A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977), Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987) and Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991).
In addition to the six past Indianapolis 500 race winners and seven Indy car champions, 20 drivers entered have won at least one race in Indy car competition, including Will Power, who won the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 9. Indy car champions entered in the race include Power (2014), four-time Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais (2004-2007), three-time Indy car champion Dixon (2003, 2008 and 2013), Hunter-Reay (2012), Kanaan (2004), Lazier (2000) and Montoya (1999).
Two rookies with diverse credentials are also assigned to cars. Gabby Chaves is the reigning Indy Lights champion and won the Freedom 100 at Indianapolis in 2014. Stefano Coletti is a multiple race winner in GP2.