The IndyCar Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway for the first oval race on the 2023 calendar. Let’s take a look at some of the best bets you can make this weekend.
The first oval of the season is bound to bring high-stakes action.
Get up to speed on everything you need to know before the #PPG375.#INDYCAR // @TXMotorSpeedway pic.twitter.com/kAYrKQPEmg
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) March 31, 2023
To Win: Josef Newgarden, +600
With two wins at Texas including last year’s last-second victory, Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden is in a prime position to take the checkered flag first on Sunday. The Nashville native has an average finish of 2.6 at the track since 2019, including two wins and four podiums. He also won three of 2022’s five oval races, solidifying himself as perhaps the series’ best oval racer. To those scared at the +600 line, just look at the numbers.
To Podium: Scott Dixon, +105
Look at that line! Scott Dixon has won more times at Texas than any other driver with five wins over the years. What’s even more impressive is that the Kiwi has 10 podiums at the track to go along with those wins. Although the six-time champion had a bit of an off-year in 2022, you can never count him out. His team, Chip Ganassi Racing, has also proven to be one of the best on ovals as of late, with Dixon’s teammate Marcus Ericsson claiming last year’s Indy 500.
Sleeper Pick: David Malukas, +5000
While David Malukas may not be the most likely pick for the race, his performance at Gateway last year gives me hope that the young driver out of Chicago can make a run. In 2022’s race at Texas, Malukas finished 11th, which was the highest out of all rookies in the field. That +5000 line to win may just be worth throwing a few bucks on.
The PPG 375 at Texas Motor Speedway airs live on NBC at noon Sunday.
Stay tuned to @gabe_perrin on Twitter for more IndyCar updates.
