Indy 500 Qualifying: Rookie Carloz Muňoz Tops Speed Chart Heading Into "Pole Day"; Two-time Champion Dixon Favorite To Win Indy 500

Rookie Carlos Muňoz clocked in the fastest speed, yesterday, during practice runs for next week's 97th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Muňoz hit 225.163 mph on his practice lap, the fastest speed in the first six days of practice.

"I have a great team behind me," said Munoz. "I knew that we were going to be competitive. I really didn't expect to be this comfortable in the car as I am right now."

Muňoz, defending IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay (225.006 mph), Marco Andretti (225.100 mph), and Helio Castroneves (225.075 mph) were the only other drivers to surpass the 225 mph mark.

"I think everyone has been impressed with Carlos and his speeds so far," said Andretti Autosport teammate E.J. Viso.

Rookie Conor Daly had a much tougher day, wrecking his car on Turn 1 of the track, after he got a high on the turn and spun into the outside wall. Daly did not appear seriously injured and was cleared to drive by safety officials. This was the first crash of the month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Two-time IndyCar Series champion, Scott Dixon, is a 5-to-1 favorite to win this year's Indy 500, according to LVH SuperBook. Dixon previously won the event in 2008 and has not placed worse than sixth in the last seven races at Indianapolis.

Dixon's teammate, Dario Franchitti, listed as a 6-to-1 favorite, is looking to make history. Franchitti is looking for his fourth win at the Brickyards, tying the all-time record set by A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears.

Current points leader, Takuma Sato is a 30-to-1 favorite while James Hinchcliffe, who leads the series with two wins this season, is listed as a 7-to-1 favorite.