FAST FACT

A single right rear Firestone Firehawk race tire can withstand a radial load of 2,800 pounds — that’s roughly the weight of a 2014 Cruze.

The Inaugural Grand Prix of marks the first time the cars and drivers of the Verizon IndyCar Series will race on the road course at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Who will be the first driver to claim victory in the event and begin a new tradition at Indy? John Cote/IMS Photo

WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS WEEKEND: MIKE CONWAY AIMS FOR VICTORY AT IMS: Mike Conway was a surprise winner at Long Beach, inheriting the lead with three laps remaining and returning to the winner’s circle. Now, the Englishman looks for another milestone — helping the team win its first entrant championship. Can Conway win again and help the Indianapolis-based team stay near the top of the standings?

POWER LOOKS TO CONTINUE HOT STREAK: With three-straight top-five finishes to start the 2014 season, ’s leads the Verizon IndyCar Series point standings as the series heads to Indianapolis for the Month of May. Can he continue his strong start to the 2014 season by scoring another win at Barber?

HUNTER-REAY GOES FOR BACK-TO-BACK WINS: Ryan Hunter-Reay rides the momentum of another win at Barber Park into the Grand Prix of Indianapolis. Hunter-Reay trails Will Power by 18 points heading into the inaugural race. Can Hunter-Reay make it two-in-a-row at IMS?

SCOTT DIXON OFF TO STRONG START IN TITLE DEFENSE: Target Racing’s Scott Dixon has shown he’s a contender to repeat as Verizon IndyCar Series champion. The New Zealand native won the in 2008. Can Dixon continue his strong start to 2014 and claim his first victory on the IMS Road Course? 2014 VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES POINT STANDINGS (TOP 5 AFTER 3 OF 18 EVENTS)

1. WILL POWER Team Penske 125

2. RYAN HUNTER-REAY -18

3. Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsports -33

4. SCOTT DIXON Target -38

5. MIKE CONWAY Ed Carpenter Racing -43