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How to bet on the 2026 Indy 500: Betting guide, picks, odds, start time, promos, offers for Sunday, May 24

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Betting on the Indy 500 is not only popular among racing fans, but it’s also a pastime for casual bettors and sports fans alike. The 110th edition of the Indianapolis 500 is set to get underway from the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24. Tabbed as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500 will attract a massive handle at online betting sites. Betting on the Indy 500 requires the latest information, and this comprehensive 2026 Indy 500 betting guide provides all the info you will need to place smarter bets.

Forming an Indy 500 betting strategy can help you form a detailed plan with nine previous winners in the 2026 Indy 500 field. According to the latest 2026 Indy 500 odds, Alex Palou, the defending champion, is the +250 favorite after winning the pole position. Other notable Indy 500 contenders include Pato O’Ward (+650) and Conor Daly (+750). Claim the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $100 in bonus bets instantly after your first $5 wager

The green flag drops at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, and if you’re wondering how to bet on the Indy 500 or where to bet on the Indianapolis 500, our 2026 Indy 500 betting guide highlights some of the best Indy 500 promo codes, including the FanDuel promo code, DraftKings promo code and bet365 bonus code. You can use these sign-up bonuses to significantly boost your bankroll, and we’ll also offer an intro to Indy 500 wagering that gives you everything you need to know before you begin Indy 500 betting. Bet the Indianapolis 500 at FanDuel Sportsbook, where new users get $150 in bonus bets if your first $5 wager wins:

How to bet on the 2026 Indy 500

If you’re looking for how to bet on the 2026 Indianapolis 500, online sportsbooks are likely your most convenient answer. Online sports betting apps are now legal in more than 30 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and it’s easy to sign up for online betting sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Caesars, BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook. All of those top sports betting apps are also currently offering sportsbook promos that could help you boost your bankroll ahead of the 2026 Indy 500. Here are the top 2026 Indianapolis 500 betting sites:

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2026 Indianapolis 500 odds

Here is the field for the 110th running of the Indy 500. There were 33 drivers who qualified for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 at “The Brickyard” and they’ll do 200 laps around the 2.5-mile rectangular oval. Click on the odds (via FanDuel) to wager now.

Indy 500 betting: Alex Palou

Age 29
Indy 500 odds to win +250
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish -240
Best Indy 500 finish Win (2025)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 4
Wins in 2026 3

With a victory on Sunday, Palou will become the seventh driver to win the Indianapolis 500 in back-to-back years. He’s seeking to be the first driver to win the Indy 500 from the pole position since Simon Pagenaud in 2019. Palou enters the Indy 500 full of confidence after finishing inside the top five in five of his last six races, which include three victories. Palou won a career-best eight races last year, including the Indy 500. He’s in a strong position to go back-to-back at the Indy 500 after winning the pole for the second time in his career.

Indy 500 betting: Pato O’Ward

Age 27
Indy 500 odds to win +600
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +100
Best Indy 500 finish 2nd (2022, 2024)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 4
Wins in 2026 0

Pato O’Ward will make his seventh start at the Indy 500, and he’s finished in the top three in three of his last four Indy 500 runs. O’Ward finished third last year and placed second in 2022 and 2024. He finished second in the IndyCar standings last year for his third straight top-five finish. O’Ward has finished no worse than seventh in the IndyCar standings in each of the previous six seasons. He’s sixth so far this year with four top-five results in six starts.

Indy 500 betting: Conor Daly

Age 34
Indy 500 odds to win +700
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +145
Best Indy 500 finish 6th (2022)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 0
Wins in 2026 0

Conor Daly is set to make his 13th start in the Indy 500, and after some rough showings in his earlier starts in the marquee race, Daly has become one of the most consistent Indy 500 performers in recent years. The 34-year-old has finished in the top 10 in four straight Indy 500 runs, including eighth last year.

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Indy 500 betting: David Malukas

Age 24
Indy 500 odds to win +800
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +115
Best Indy 500 finish 2nd (2025)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 1
Wins in 2026 0

The 24-year-old is a first-year member of Team Penske, driving the No. 12 Chevrolet. David Malukas finished second at last year’s Indy 500 in just his third start in the event. He just missed a top-10 finish overall last year, placing 11th in the IndyCar standings. He’s off to a strong start this year, though, currently third in the standings. He’s finished no worse than seventh in five straight races, and he’s coming off placing second on a road course in the Grand Prix of Indianapolis in his last start May 9. David Malukas

Indy 500 betting:  Alexander Rossi

Age 34
Indy 500 odds to win +900
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +165
Best Indy 500 finish Won (2016)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 6
Wins in 2026 0

Alexander Rossi suffered what’s described as a minor finger and ankle injury from a three-car crash during Monday’s practice run, but he’s expected to race in the 2026 Indy 500. Rossi had his streak of three straight top-five finishes at the Indy 500 snapped last year, partly due to mechanical issues, but the eight-time IndyCar winner is one of the most successful drivers in the Indy 500 driver pool. Rossi has six top-five finishes and seven top-10 results in 10 career Indy 500 runs. He’s finished in the top 10 in four of six starts this season.

Indy 500 betting: Scott McLaughlin

Age 32
Indy 500 odds to win +1000
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +175
Best Indy 500 finish 6th (2024)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 0
Wins in 2026 0

Scott McLaughlin never truly had a chance to compete at last year’s Indy 500, crashing during the warm-up and unable to race in the main event. He’s since called that “the worst day of my life” as he was unable to chase down a white whale of winning an Indianapolis 500. McLaughlin is winless in five Indy 500 runs. He was on the pole in 2023 before finishing sixth, which is the only time he’s even finished inside the top 10 at the Indy 500. The motivation is certainly there after losing his opportunity last year before the race even started for the Team Penske driver.

Indy 500 betting: Josef Newgarden

Age 35
Indy 500 odds to win +1000
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +135
Best Indy 500 finish 2nd (2023, 2024)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 5
Wins in 2026 1

Josef Newgarden is a two-time IndyCar champion (2017, 2019) and he’s also a two-time Indy 500 winner (2023, 2024). Mechanical issues played a role in his inability to three-peat last year, but still, Newgarden has seven top-10 finishes over his last 11 Indy 500 runs. He’s the winningest American driver in IndyCar history with 33 victories, including taking the Grand Prix of Phoenix this year. He won multiple IndyCar races for eight straight years from 2017 to 2024. This marks his 15th Indy 500 start as one of the most proven drivers on the track.

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Indy 500 betting: Santino Ferrucci

Age 27
Indy 500 odds to win +1100
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +155
Best Indy 500 finish 3rd (2022)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 3
Wins in 2026 0

Santino Ferrucci is set to make his 100th IndyCar start on Sunday. He’ll start in fifth place for the 2026 Indianapolis 500, driving the No. 14 Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing. He’s made seven starts at the Indy 500, placing in the top 10 in all seven of his starts. He also has three top-five finishes as well.

Indy 500 betting: Felix Rosenqvist

Age 34
Indy 500 odds to win +1200
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +175
Best Indy 500 finish 4th (2022, 2025)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 2
Wins in 2026 0

Felix Rosenqvist finished fourth at last year’s Indy 500, and he’s coming off a recent second-place result in Long Beach on April 19. He finished a career-best sixth in last year’s IndyCar standings and will drive the No. 60 Honda for Meyer Shank Racing.

Indy 500 betting: Scott Dixon

Age 45
Indy 500 odds to win +1600
Indy 500 odds for top 5 finish +250
Best Indy 500 finish Won (2008)
Indy 500 top-5 finishes 9
Wins in 2026 0

Scott Dixon returns for his 26th IndyCar season and he’s second all-time in IndyCar victories (59). The 45-year-old holds a record six IndyCar championships, most recently winning in 2020. The 2008 Indy 500 champion is set for his 24th Indy 500 start, and he has nine top-five finishes and 14 top-10 results in this race. His experience and career success always make him a popular Indy 500 betting option as one of the sport’s all-time greats. 

Indy 500 betting promos and bonus offers

FanDuel Sportsbook: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins

The FanDuel promo code offer doesn’t need a code, but new users must meet the legal age requirement in a state where FanDuel operates legitimately. Here’s how to sign up for one of the largest betting sites.

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How does the FanDuel promo code work?

  1. Click “Claim Bonus” on this page, or simply click here.
  2. Open an account by providing the requested information, including your email, name, and payment details.
  3. Deposit at least $5 and place a bet of $5 or more. There are no minimum odds requirement.

If your first bet settles as a win, FanDuel will credit your account with $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours of the original bet settlement. You’ll then be able to use your bonus bets in whatever increments you like, but bonus bets expire following seven days. Bonus bets can’t be cashed out or withdrawn, and if you submit a bet using bonus funds, you’ll get the winnings but not the stake.

Get started at FanDuel here:

DraftKings Sportsbook: Bet $5, get $100 in bonus bets instantly after your first $5 wager

No code is required for the DraftKings promo code, but users must be of legal age in a state where DraftKings legitimately operates. You must also be a new user at the sportsbook to qualify, meaning you could not have previously signed up for a DraftKings account. Here’s how to sign up for one of the top betting sites.

How does the DraftKings promo code work?

  1. Select “Claim Bonus” on this page, or click here.
  2. Create a DraftKings Sportsbook account by entering all required information, including name, email and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  3. Agree to DraftKings’ terms and conditions.
  4. Make a first deposit of $5 or more
  5. Place a first bet of at least $5 with odds of -500 or shorter and collect your $100 instantly.

You will receive your bonus bets in the form of four $25 slips within 72 hours of your qualifying wager settling as a win. Bonus bets are valid for seven days after they are received. They hold no cash value. Payouts from bonus bets are transferred to the user’s cash balance and do not include the bonus bet stake. 

Get started at DraftKings here:

Fanatics Sportsbook: 10x$100 Bet Match in FanCash OR 100% Profit Boost Token for 5 days

The latest Fanatics Sportsbook promo code CBSFAN allows new users to get 10 bet matches up to $100 each over 10 days or a 100+ profit boost token for five days. Users receive their stake, up to $100, back in FanCash if your bet loses for each of the first 10 days. This promotion is available to eligible users in states where Fanatics Sportsbook legally operates (except New York).

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How does the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code work?

  1. Download the Fanatics Sportsbook mobile app
  2. Register an account, filling out information such as email, birth date and the last four digits of your social security number
  3. When prompted, enter promo code CBSFAN
  4. Enable geolocation services on your phone
  5. Agree to the terms and conditions
  6. Deposit a minimum of $10 and claim the eligible promotion
  7. Place a wager of up to $100, and receive your stake back in FanCash if it loses
  8. Repeat for 10 days for a maximum of $1,000 in FanCash

Get started at Fanatics Sportsbook here:

BetMGM Sportsbook: Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses

The latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS awards new users up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if their first bet loses. BetMGM users in New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania or Michigan can get a different promotion and receive $150 in bonus bets if they win their first bet of $10 or more.  

How does the BetMGM bonus code work?

  1. Those interested can click the CLAIM BONUS button on this page to navigate to BetMGM Sportsbook or click here
  2. After downloading the app, click the SIGN UP button.
  3. Begin creating a BetMGM Sportsbook account. Use promo code CBSSPORTS during sign-up to lock up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses.
  4. Allow BetMGM Sportsbook to use your location. You must be physically located in a legal sports betting state to bet. 
  5. Users must deposit $10 or more. 
  6. If the first qualifying bet wins, you get your winnings in cash. If it loses, you will get the amount you wagered in bonus bets, up to $1,500.

Get started at BetMGM here:

Caesars Sportsbook: Bet $1, double your winnings on next 10 bets

The Caesars Sportsbook promo code CBSDYW allows new users to bet $1 and double their winnings on their next 10 wagers with 100% profit boosts. 

How does the Caesars Sportsbook promo code work?

  1. Click “Claim Bonus” on this page to begin the signup process or click here.
  2. When prompted, enter the promo code “CBSDYW”.
  3. Register for a new Caesars Sportsbook account.
  4. Make a first deposit of at least $10.
  5. Place your first bet of at least $1 and get 10 100% profit boosts.

Get started at Caesars here:

bet365 Sportsbook: Bet $10, get $200 instantly 

The bet365 bonus code CBSSPORTS offers new users $200 in bonus bets with a $10+ bet, whether the bet wins or loses. New users can use the promo code CBSBET365 to claim this online sports betting offer. For those who haven’t opened a bet365 account and want $365 in bonus bets, follow these steps below. 

How does the bet365 bonus code work?

  1. Click “CLAIM BONUS” on this page or click here.
  2. Sign up for a bet365 account and enter the bet365 bonus code CBSBET365.
  3. Make a first deposit of $10+.
  4. Place a first wager of at least $10 on anything.

After making that first wager with the bet365 bonus code, new bettors will be given $200 in bonus bets regardless of whether the bet wins or loses. You can divide the $200 in bonus bets however you’d like, but any amount left over will expire within seven days. New bet365 users must claim the offer within 30 days of signing up for a bet365 account. 

Get started at bet365 here:

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Indy 500 history

The Indianapolis 500 is an annual race held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is commonly referred to as “the greatest spectacle in racing.” The Indy 500 was first held on May 30, 1911. Arguably the biggest event on the IndyCar calendar, the Indy500 has taken place on the Sunday before Memorial Day since the 1970s. 

Four racers share the record for the most Indy 500 victories with four, including Hélio Castroneves, A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser. Foyt also has the most career Indy 500 starts with 35. Castroneves holds the longest span between wins at 20 years, after securing his first Indy 500 victory in 2001 and his most recent in 2021. Unser’s win in 1987 made him the oldest driver to win the Indy 500 at 47 years and 360 days old. 

Get started at DraftKings here:

Indy 500 betting options and wagers

Popular wagers

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Definition

Win

Betting on the winner of the race

Place

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Betting on a driver to finish first or second

Show

Betting on driver to finish in the top three

Top finishes

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Betting on finishing positions, such as top five or top 10

Matchups

Betting on head-to-head matchups between drivers

Winning manufacturer

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Betting on the winning manufacturer

Winning car number

Betting on the winning car number based on over/under or range 

Winning team

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Betting on the winning team

Lap props

Betting on various lap props 

Groups

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Betting on a driver to finish ahead of multiple other drivers

Forecast

Betting on exact finishing positions for multiple drivers 

Race props

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Betting on various Indy 500 props

Win

This is simply a bet on which driver will win the race. You only get paid if your driver finishes first.       

Place

This gives a little buffer room for bettors, as you cash your ticket if your driver finishes first or second. However, the payout for first is not as good as a win bet.         

Show

Like horse racing, a show bet covers a top-three finish, but the price is worse than a win or place bet.        

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Top finishes

There are various types of top finishing bets, including top five and top 10. The favorites generally have heavily juiced odds to finish in the top five or top 10. 

Matchups

Matchup bets pit two specific drivers against each other, and whichever driver finishes ahead of the other one is the winner of the prop. Sportsbooks decide which drivers to feature in these matchups.        

Winning manufacturer

Bettors can choose between Chevrolet and Honda for the winning manufacturer. This is a common offering across major sportsbooks, so there is a chance to price shop for the best line.           

Winning car number

There are multiple over/unders to choose from for winning car number, with some examples being 9.5, 10.5 and 15.5. Bettors can also choose an exact range of numbers, such as 1-6 or 13-24, for a bigger payout.         

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Winning team

This is a bet on which team will win the race, with Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske being two of the most popular choices. 

Lap props 

There are multiple types of lap props, such as the over/under for most laps led by a driver or the speed of the fastest lap.        

Groups

If bettors want to target a specific driver to perform well, groups are a great option. These usually split drivers into groups of four, and the winner is generally available at a plus-money payout.        

Forecast

Much like an exacta in horse racing, a straight forecast gives bettors a chance to pick the top two finishers in the correct order. There are also dual forecasts, where bettors just need to pick the top two finishers in any order, but the payout is not as high as a straight forecast.         

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Race props

We have covered some of the popular Indy 500 props, but there are other ones as well. Some of the options include number of lead changes, average speed of the race, grid position of the race winner and the winning nationality.  

Claim your DraftKings bonus bets here:

Indy 500 past winners 

2025: Alex Palou (Ganassi)
2024: Josef Newgarden (Penske)
2023: Josef Newgarden (Penske)
2022: Marcus Ericsson (Ganassi)
2021: Helio Castroneves (Meyer Shank)
2020: Takuma Sato (Rahal Letterman)
2019: Simon Pagenaud (Penske)
2018: Will Power (Penske)
2017: Takuma Sato (Andretti)
2016: Alexander Rossi (Andretti-Herta)
2015: Juan Pablo Montoya (Penske)
2014: Ryan Hunter-Rea (Andretti)
2013: Tony Kanaan (KV)
2012: Dario Franchitti (Ganassi)
2011: Dan Wheldon (Bryan Herta)
2010: Dario Franchitti (Ganassi)
2009: Helio Castroneves (Penske)
2008: Scott Dixon (Ganassi)
2007: Dario Franchitti (Andretti-Green)
2006: Sam Hornish Jr. (Penske)
2005: Dan Whelson (Andretti-Green)
2004: Buddy Rice (Rahal Letterman)
2003: Gil de Ferran (Penske)
2002: Helio Castroneves (Penske)
2001: Helio Castroneves (Penske)
2000: Juan Montoya (Chip Ganassi)
1999: Kenny Brack (AJ Foyt)
1998: Eddie Cheever Jr. (Cheever)
1997: Arie Luyendyk (Treadway)
1996: Buddy Lazier (Hemelgarn)
1995: Jacques Villeneuve (Green)
1994: Al Unser Jr. (Penske)
1993: Emerson Fittipaldi (Penske)
1992: Al Unser Jr. (Galles-Kraco)
1991: Rick Mears (Penske)
1990: Arie Luyendyk (Doug Shierson)
1989: Emerson Fittipaldi (Patrick)
1988: Rick Mears (Penske)
1987: Al Unser (Penske)
1986: Bobby Rahal (Trusports)
1985: Danny Sullivan (Penske)
1984: Rick Mears (Penske)
1983: Tom Sneva (Bignotti-Cotter)
1982: Gordon Johncock (STP Patrick)
1981: Bobby Unser (Penske)
1980: Johnny Rutherford (Chaparral)
1979: Rick Mears (Penske)
1978: Al Unser (Chaparral)
1977: A.J. Foyt (AJ Foyt)
1976: Johnny Rutherford (Bruce McLaren)
1975: Bobby Unser (All American Racer)
1974: Johnny Rutherford (Bruce McLaren)
1973: Gordon Johncock (Patrick)
1972: Mark Donohue (Roger Penske)
1971: Al Unser (Vel’s Parnelli Jones)
1970: Al Unser (Vel’s Parnelli Jones)
1969: Mario Andretti (STP Corp)
1968: Bobby Unser (Leader Cards)
1967: A.J. Foyt (Ansted-Thompson)
1966: Graham Hill (Mecom)
1965: Jim Clark (Lotus)
1964: A.J. Foyt (Ansted-Thompson)
1963: Parnelli Jones (JC Agajanian)
1962: Rodger Ward (Leader Cards)
1961: A.J. Foyt (Bignotti-Bowes)
1960: Jim Rathmann (En-Paul)
1959: Rodger Ward (Leader Cards)
1958: Jimmy Bryan (George Salih)
1957: Sam Hanks (George Salih)
1956: Pat Flaherty (John Zink)
1955: Bob Sweikert (John Zink)
1954: Bill Vukovich (Howard B Keck)
1953: Bill Vukovich (Howard B Keck)
1952: Troy Ruttman (JC Agajanian)
1951: Lee Wallard (Murreil Belanger)
1950: Johnnie Parsons (Kurtis Kraft)
1949: Bill Holland (Lou Moore)
1948: Mauri Rose (Lou Moore)
1947: Mauri Rose (Lou Moore)
1946: George Robson (Thorne)
1945: N/A
1944: N/A
1943: N/A
1942: N/A
1941: F Davis – M Rose (Lou Moore)
1940: Wilbur Shaw (Boyle)
1939: Wilbur Shaw (Boyle)
1938: Floyd Roberts (Lou Moore)
1937: Wilbur Shaw (Wilbur Shaw)
1936: Louis Meyer (Louis Meyer)
1935: Kelly Petillo (Kelly Petillo)
1934: Bill Cummings (HC Henning)
1933: Louis Meyer (Louis Meyer)
1932: Fred Frame (Harry Hartz)
1931: Louis Schneider (BL Schneider)
1930: Billy Arnold (Harry Hartz)
1929: Ray Keech (MA Yagle)
1928: Louis Meyer (Alden Sampson II)
1927: George Souders (William S White)
1926: Frank Lockhart (Peter Kreis)
1925: Peter De Paolo (Duesenberg)
1924: L Corum – J Boyer (Duesenberg)
1923: Tommy Milton (HCS Motors)
1922: Jimmy Murphy (Jimmy Murphy)
1921: Tommy Milton (Louis Chevrolet)
1920: Gaston Chevrolet (William Small)
1919: Howdy Wilcox (IMS Corp)
1918: N/A
1917: N/A
1916: Dario Resta (Peugeot)
1915: Ralph DePalma (EC Patterson)
1914: Rene Thomas (Louis Delage)
1913: Jules Goux (Peugeot)
1912: Joe Dawson (National Motors)
1911: Ray Harroun (Nordyke & Mermon)

Indy 500 records 

  • A.J. Foyt has the most career Indy 500 starts with 35
  • Scott Dixon has the most laps led in Indy 500 history with 665 
  • The largest margin of victory is 13 minutes, 8.40 seconds by Jules Goux in 1913
  • Hélio Castroneves has the longest span between victories at 20 years (first win in 2001, most recent win in 2021)
  • Troy Ruttman is the youngest Indy 500 champion at 22 years and 80 days (1952)
  • Al Unser is the oldest Indy 500 champion at 47 ears and 360 days (1987)
  • Team Penske has picked up the most Indy 500 wins with 20 

Below is a list of drivers with two or more Indy 500 victories:

  • Hélio Castroneves (4)
  • A.J. Foyt (4)
  • Rick Mears (4)
  • Al Unser (4)
  • Dario Franchitti (3)
  • Louis Meyer (3)
  • Wilbur Shaw (3)
  • Mauri Rose (3)
  • Johnny Rutherford (3)
  • Bobby Unser (3)
  • Emerson Fittipaldi (2)
  • Gordon Johncock (2)
  • Arie Luyendyk (2)
  • Tommy Milton (2)
  • Juan Pablo Montoya (2)
  • Josef Newgarden (2)
  • Takuma Sato (2)
  • Bill Vukovich (2)
  • Rodger Ward (2)
  • Dan Wheldon (2)
  • Al Unser Jr. (2)

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World Cup 2026: England & Norway’s football rivalry

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England and Norway renew a rivalry better known for one famous piece of commentary rather than football when they meet in the World Cup quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday.

It was 45 years before Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland were illuminating the current tournament that a Norwegian by the name of Bjorge Lillelien delivered the speech that has assumed legendary status.

Norway, nowhere near the dangerous force they are now in September 1981, had just beaten an England side boasting players of the class of Bryan Robson, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan and Trevor Francis 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier.

The win was a seismic shock, regarded as a national embarrassment for England and Norway’s greatest triumph at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.

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Lillelien was not going to let the opportunity to pile on the agony for England pass him by as he directed a message aimed at the country’s political and sporting figures – especially then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

A reserved man in private, he warmed up by accusing Polish referee Jerzy Kacprzak of being “close to receiving English citizenship” by playing what he felt was too much added time as Norway protected their lead.

When Kacprzak finally blew the whistle, Lillelien was ready to let rip on the airwaves as the main radio commentator for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, known as NRK.

A slightly edited version of his wonderfully excitable commentary is: “Lord Nelson. Lord Beaverbrook. Sir Winston Churchill. Sir Anthony Eden. Clement Atlee. Henry Cooper. Lady Diana. We have beaten all of them.”

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And then came Lillelien’s most famous words.

“Maggie Thatcher. Can you hear me? We have a message for you. We have knocked your boys out of the World Cup. Maggie Thatcher. As they say in your language, in the boxing bars around Madison Square Garden New York, your boys took a hell of a beating.”

He then repeated for good measure: “Your boys took a hell of a beating.”

The last line, in particular, has been repeated – and altered to suit the occasion – ever since Lillelien delivered it.

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England did, contrary to Lillellen’s claim, qualify for the 1982 World Cup in Spain, but no matter.

Social media did not exist in 1981. The impact and traction of his commentary, had it happened now, would be mind-boggling.

Lillelien, who was a hugely popular figure, died six years later aged 60, but has been immortalised by those words, which he always insisted were spontaneous, not prepared.

The emotional speech has been preserved forever by the wonders of YouTube, helped by Lillelien, fluent in English, switching from his native tongue when he said: “Maggie Thatcher. Can you hear me?” and “your boys took one hell of a beating.”

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England’s defeat was one of the biggest shocks in their history, having won the first qualifier 4-0 at Wembley a year previously.

In Norway’s moment of triumph, Lillelien’s colourful commentary meant those who represented England in that defeat will never be allowed to forget it.

Every time England meet Norway, Lillelien will be remembered with affection by everyone except those who still have to suffer those painful recollections.

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Royals’ Tyler Tolbert makes MLB history with hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances

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People love to say “you can’t predict baseball,” and here’s another chapter in the long history of that being the case. There’s a major-league player who just became the first in the expansion era (1961-present) to record a hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances, tying the overall MLB record. He was in the No. 9 hole for the Royals, one of the worst teams in baseball, on Tuesday evening. His name? Tyler Tolbert

Tolbert was a career .247 hitter in 85 at-bats at the big-league level before he started this streak. In seven minor-league seasons, he is a career .246 hitter. If we were tasked with predicting who could get a hit in 12 straight plate appearances, we’d get deep into the hundreds before we even thought about him. But that’s why they play the games. 

Things started innocently enough on Saturday against the Phillies with a weak infield hit. He then singled on a grounder with eyes to right field before being removed from that game. On Sunday, he didn’t even play. Monday, he was back in the lineup as Kansas City closed out its series with Philadelphia. Tolbert singled on another grounder, doubled on a line drive to the gap to drive home a run, before powering up for a home run. It was the first of his career. 

He singled two more times to go 5 for 5. 

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Then came Tuesday evening in New York in a wild 16-12 win over the Mets. Tolbert was slotted ninth in the Royals’ lineup. He hit a two-run home run in the second inning. 

Hey, when you’re hot, you’re hot. 

Tolbert would single in the fourth, reach on another infield single in the fifth and then yet another infield single in the sixth. 

And, are you ready for this? In the seventh inning, he had another infield single to tie the all-time record. This was in the midst of the Royals turning a 9-4 deficit to the Mets into a 16-9 lead, by the way. 

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That’s 12 consecutive plate appearances with a hit for Tolbert. That tied him for the MLB record.  

The MLB record for consecutive hits in at-bats is 12, which was done by Johnny Kling in 1902, Pinky Higgins in 1938, Walt Dropo in 1952 and Juan Miranda in 2024. If we made the requirement plate appearances, it’s just Kling and Dropo at 12. And now Tolbert has joined the latter group. 

Tolbert came to the plate again in the ninth inning with a chance to break the record, but he flied out to right field. He was unable to hold it all for himself, but he still made history and became part of the MLB record book.

Tolbert’s batting average this season was .200 before the streak. It is now .396. Gotta love those small-sample jumps.

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Further, Tolbert has back-to-back five-hit games. The list of players in MLB history with back-to-back five-hit games isn’t very long. It had previously only happened twice: Hi Myers for the Brooklyn Robins in 1917 and Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente with the 1970 Pirates. Tolbert has joined them with two straight five-hit games. 

What an incredibly unlikely run.

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Report: Red Wings’ Larkin hasn’t expanded trade list

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Despite the impasse, it appears Larkin is holding firm on which teams he would like to go to.

St. James added that “no offers from those teams have intrigued” the Red Wings.

Larkin, who is signed for five more years with an $8.7 million AAV, has a full no-movement clause. The 30-year-old has played 11 seasons with the Red Wings, reaching the playoffs only once in his rookie year.

Larkin’s three preferred teams have been busy this off-season. The Panthers landed Brady Tkachuk in a blockbuster trade with the Ottawa Senators, while the Wild acquired centre Blake Coleman from the Calgary Flames. The Golden Knights traded scoring winger Pavel Dorofeyev to the New York Rangers but remain tight against the salary cap ceiling after signing defenceman Rasmus Andersson to a long-term deal with an $8.5-million AAV.

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Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is said to be looking for players who can help his roster now, not draft picks and prospects who are years away from reaching the NHL.

Therefore, as the summer drags on, the possibility of Larkin returning to Detroit for a 12th season increases.

“Dylan has five years remaining on his contract,” Yzerman said after the draft. “My job as the manager of the Detroit Red Wings is always to do what is in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings, and I will act accordingly to that. I cannot make any guarantees, or did not make any guarantees, that that request could or would be met.”

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Lionel Messi Leaves Zlatan Ibrahimovic In Awe. Ex-Teammate’s “He Became An Animal” Remark Viral

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Lionel Messi channeled his inner beast to guide Argentina.© AFP




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Argentina superstar Lionel Messi continues to defy age, producing one of the finest performances of his career as Argentina came from two goals down to stun Egypt 3-2 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash in Atlanta. Messi set up Cristian Romero‘s goal to spark Argentina’s comeback before finding the net himself less than five minutes later to level the scores and set up a nervy finish. However, Argentina breathed a sigh of relief in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez headed home Lautaro Martinez‘s cross to complete a remarkable turnaround and seal their place in the quarter-finals.

Former Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic was full of praise for Lionel Messi, saying the 39-year-old channeled his inner beast to guide the defending champions when all hope seemed lost.

“Messi became an animal and nobody could catch him. He just went on, went on and this is the one I saw, the one we’re used to seeing and that we are still seeing,” Zlatan said on Fox Sports.

Zlatan, a former Barcelona teammate of the Argentine forward, also went to explain how this World Cup means the world to Messi, despite having already lifted the trophy four years back in Qatar, who was seen crying in the end after the final whistle.

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“You can still see also emotionally how much it means for him. Remember that he’s already won this World Cup. He already won a lot of trophies, the Ballon d’Or, everything. I can sit here and give his CV and it looks perfect. But he still wants it and that is impressive. Look at that,” he added.

Messi’s goal was his eighth of this year’s World Cup and moved him to the top of a tight Golden Boot race. 

It also extended his scoring streak to a record nine consecutive World Cup matches dating back to Argentina’s title run in 2022. Tuesday’s goal was his 13th in that nine-game span.

(With AP Inputs)

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Novak Djokovic survives five-hour Wimbledon epic – but the real challenge comes next

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There were more than five hours on the clock and yet Novak Djokovic was still not done. As Centre Court shook, Djokovic’s 11-year-old son, Stefan, watched on with his head in his hands, up way past his bedtime but gripped by what his 39-year-old father was producing. Felix Auger-Aliassime stood over a forehand and sensed his moment to strike, but Djokovic, in a flash, sprang to his right deep behind the baseline, extending the point and the Canadian third seed’s torment. Auger-Aliassime netted and it broke him; the decisive point in the match tiebreak that settled the longest Wimbledon quarter-final ever, a victory that Djokovic ranked as one of his finest on Centre Court.

“These are the moments I still play for,” said Djokovic. If the scoreline – 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (10-4) – was scarcely believable in itself, the sight of Djokovic stretching his limbs and denying the 25-year-old Auger-Aliassime, in five hours and 15 minutes, was sheer madness. It equalled the longest match of Djokovic’s Wimbledon career, eight years on from the 2018 semi-final with Rafael Nadal that was held overnight. Djokovic managed this in one epic, gruelling sitting and just five minutes before the 11pm curfew. When the moment required it, he once again raised his level, booking a semi-final with defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday.

Djokovic soaks in the applause of Centre Court after an astonishing win over Auger-Aliassime in five hours and 15 minutes (AP)

Djokovic soaks in the applause of Centre Court after an astonishing win over Auger-Aliassime in five hours and 15 minutes (AP)

The celebrations were memorable, the victory too – a battle Djokovic prevailed from in front of his children on Centre Court adding to the sweetness. And yet the message afterwards from Djokovic was that he is not done yet. The records – an eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final, the 15th of his career – did not matter. “Right now, it’s all business,” Djokovic confirmed. The pursuit of the grand slam record and a 25th title is what fuelled his extraordinary fight and refusal to submit, and yet it is still two rounds away. “I wish it was finals so I don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow,” Djokovic said.

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And there could lie the problem. At this stage of his career, and since the gold medal match against Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Olympics, Djokovic’s finest victories have arrived before the final. Last season, the quarter-finals of grand slams fell in the the sweet spot where Djokovic was fresh enough to compete against younger opponents, but late enough in the tournament where he knew he needed to step it up. He did, in defeating Alcaraz at the Australian Open, Alexander Zverev at the French Open, Flavio Cobolli at Wimbledon and Taylor Fritz at the US Open. Outlasting Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon is another added to the list.

Djokovic, though, arrived at those semi-finals and found that he was physically cooked, unable to recover for the next challenge. The exception came at the Australian Open in January, and was memorable in itself with Djokovic ending Sinner’s reign in Melbourne by beating the world No 1 in five sets. But that followed a different sort of tournament for Djokovic, after his fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew and Lorenzo Musetti retired from their quarter-final due to injury while leading by two sets. Djokovic arrived into his semi-final with Sinner fresher, but after he prevailed he still ran into Alcaraz in final, where he eventually ran out of gas.

Djokovic will have an extra day to recover before he plays Sinner on Centre Court on Friday in a rematch of last year’s semi-final. It may prove to be invaluable. “Let’s see. Let’s see,” Djokovic said. “I have an extra day, which is good.” Sinner, by comparison, has won his last four matches in straight-sets and has not been pushed past the three-hour mark since his opening-round scare against Miomir Kecmanovic last week. Djokovic, meanwhile, has only played one match in under three hours. Djokovic may be matching the heroics of fellow 39-year-old Lionel Messi, yet he wished he could play 90-minute matches like him, too.

Djokovic denied the third seed Auger-Aliassime with another quarter-final victory that rolled back the years (Getty)

Djokovic denied the third seed Auger-Aliassime with another quarter-final victory that rolled back the years (Getty)

And it is the brutal reality of sport that there is no trophy for Djokovic for reaching another semi-final, or for Auger-Aliassime for falling just a few points short after more than five hours in one of the greatest matches in Wimbledon history. But in another sense, tonight felt as if the recognition for Djokovic and his latest victory against the younger generation actually could have been enough, with Centre Court rising to its feet for the match tiebreak and this marathon quarter-final. “I still want to go at least one more step further,” he said. “But this was as good as a final for me.”

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There was no doubt, however, that Djokovic, the man who has nothing to prove, once again left behind something special on Centre Court. Even if recent history repeats itself and Djokovic arrives into his semi-final showdown with Sinner spent from his marathon efforts in the previous round, he will always have the roar of Wimbledon as he shone bright yet again on the biggest stage. Then again, there is no Alcaraz on the other side of the draw. This dominant version of Sinner has been beaten once and can be beaten again. Who would rule Djokovic out on the evidence of this unbelievable night.

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Man United transfer news LIVE: ‘First contact’ for £85m deal, Alex Scott latest, 7-man shortlist

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‘Suffered an injustice’: Egypt coach blasts referee in dramatic World Cup exit to Argentina

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Egypt ⁠coach ⁠Hossam Hassan said his team was treated unfairly ⁠and “suffered an injustice” in ​the wake of his team’s stunning 3-2 loss to Argentina in a round of 16 match in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Egypt held a 2-0 lead ​until Argentina’s Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute. Lionel Messi tied it four minutes later and Enzo Fernandez scored the game-winner two minutes into stoppage time.

However, Hassan took issue with referee Francois Letexier on several counts.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Messi’s Argentina fight back from brink of defeat to edge Egypt in thriller

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Egypt had a goal that had initially put them up ​2-0, but it ‌was disallowed following a VAR review. And the Pharaohs were upset that a hard tackle in the penalty ⁠box late in stoppage time was not reviewed.

“I’m not convinced with this outcome. I’m not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match,” Hassan said. “I would do not want to ‌try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording, selective wording, and saying hard luck, and so on and ⁠so forth.

“We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice.”

Hassan said Egypt had objected to Letexier being the referee, referring to his “background”. Letexier is from France.

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Nine minutes into extra time, Hassan was issued a yellow card after ​objecting to the lack of a VAR review.

“I was just saying this is unfair. I was saying ‌maybe he’s carrying a scar,” Hassan said of their interaction. “Maybe he has something to hide. Whoever has something to hide sometimes fails to hide what he is hiding.”

Hassan vowed not to watch another match during the 2026 World Cup after his team came within minutes of upsetting the defending champions.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to set up Argentina quarter-final

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“We ‌looked better compared to the reigning champions,” Hassan said. “We were better in everything, but the result, the outcome, was influenced by internal factors on the pitch, inside the game, and external factors ​ahead of the game.

“There seemed to have been pressure exercised from the Argentinian side on the referee that had brought about this outcome.”

As the drama intensified, Letexier issued a red card to one of Hassan’s staff members. By the end of the match, ​Egypt had been issued five yellow cards while Argentina had none.

“Ordinary life, normal life is unfair, OK, but why isn’t there any ​fairness in sports? Within football,” Hassan said.

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Despite his team holding a two-goal advantage late into the ​match, Hassan also questioned the noon start time in Atlanta. The only other match of the day was the final round of 16 match between Colombia and Switzerland at 4pm ET in Vancouver.

“I ​dare to say that whoever schedules those matches is someone who doesn’t and has never played football. It has nothing to do with football, because you never schedule a football match for 12pm, at noon,” Hassan said. “At noon you go for a stroll, you go to get some fresh air, to maybe go on a brunch, but you do not go to play football. You do not go onto the ⁠pitch.

“When are the players supposed to eat? Are they supposed to have their meal at 7:30am in order to be capable of playing at noon? Is ⁠this someone trying to outsmart ​everyone else?

“There have been a lot of things to be questioned on and off the pitch. Negative aspects all around. It’s just about credibility, lack of credibility with how things unfolded.

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“I’m proud of my players. But we have not received what we deserve.”

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters) 

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ESPN Calls Out Biggest Weakness for Vikings

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Vikngs RB Jordan Mason rushes the ball on TNF
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings’ regular season is less than 10 weeks away, and when the team gets there, the rushing offense is evidently a concern, according to ESPN. The sports media giants sized up the Vikings’ roster, including strengths and weaknesses, on Monday, and Minnesota’s running backs got the unfortunate nod.

It’s true, too. The Vikings made no significant strides to improve the ground attack, except for using a 6th-Round draft pick on Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne.

Could Demond Claiborne Change the Conversation?

Aaron Jones reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Bears. Vikings running back weakness
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones reacted after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears, adding another highlight to a physical NFC North road matchup. On November 24, 2024, at Soldier Field, Jones celebrated in the second half as Minnesota’s offense found the end zone in Chicago against a division opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images.

ESPN: Vikings’ Roster Weaknesses = RB

Mike Clay made Minnesota’s top roster deficiency quite clear. He wrote, “Biggest weakness: Running back. It was a bit surprising that Minnesota did little to address this position after its running backs finished 30th in both rushing yards and scrimmage yards last season.”

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“Aaron Jones Sr. has been solid throughout his career, but he’s entering his age-31 season and ranked dead last among 65 qualified backs in forced missed tackle rate and elusive rating in 2025, per PFF. Jordan Mason is an effective rusher (career 5.1 YPC) but isn’t a receiving option (28 career receptions). Undersized sixth-rounder Demond Claiborne was the team’s only offseason addition of note.”

On the other hand, Clay called the Vikings’ wide receivers the top roster strength. Perhaps the groups will balance.

The Unit in July

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Without early- or mid-round rookie runners like Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington, who were available to the Vikings in the draft, Minnesota will enter training camp with the group:

  • Aaron Jones
  • Jordan Mason
  • Demond Claiborne
  • Zavier Scott
  • Kejon Owens

Jones and Mason figure to split the RB1 workload — like last year — with Claiborne and Scott battling it out for the RB3 job at training camp and in the preseason. Owens will either make the practice squad or get cut in late August.

In free agency, the Vikings could have explored Travis Etienne (NO), Kenneth Walker III (KC), Rico Dowdle (PIT), Isiah Pacheco (DET), or Kenneth Gainwell (TB) but took the plunge with none, instead re-upping with Jones at a reduced price. He accepted a paycut to stay in Minnesota through the end of 2026.

Jordan Mason warms up before a Vikings game against the Eagles. Vikings running back weakness
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason warmed up before a home matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium, preparing for another Sunday role in Minnesota’s backfield. On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Mason went through pregame work as the Vikings readied for Philadelphia and another physical NFC test. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Other veterans like Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, and Austin Ekeler remain on the open market if injuries rattle Jones or Mason.

The Efficiency Last Year

In 2025, another season when the Vikings publicly announced they would run the ball more, they ranked 15th in Rush EPA and 13th in Rush DVOA. The efficiency passed the test, but Minnesota ranked 19th in rush playcall percentage. In fact, per the DVOA stat, the Vikings ranked 13th-best running the football while calling rush plays the 13th-least.

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Therefore, a fix could be simple: commit to running the ball. It’s just that head coach Kevin O’Connell has been unusually reluctant to embrace the theory, probably because he’s a former quarterback who, when in doubt, dials up pass plays.

Thankfully, the rushing frequency spiked in December last season, and Minnesota won five straight games to close out the year. Perhaps O’Connell learned a lesson that will carry over to 2026.

Claiborne as the Big Hope

Claiborne, nicknamed “Lightning,” isn’t your average rookie running back vying for a roster spot this summer. Beyond the cool nickname, his football profile suggests he could be a game-changer. If Claiborne can inject even a fraction of De’Von Achane’s explosive energy into the Minnesota offense, it could elevate the unit to an entirely new level.

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The comparisons to Achane are well-founded. Claiborne possesses a similar build and a knack for creating explosive plays. Crucially, he now has the opportunity to work with Frank Smith, who coached Achane in Miami for three years. There’s a tangible connection.

Demond Claiborne carries the football against Miami. Vikings running back weakness
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne carried the football against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium, flashing the speed that later made him a Vikings intrigue piece. On November 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Claiborne worked through second-quarter action for the Demon Deacons in a late-season ACC road matchup versus Miami. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.

Should the Vikings finally establish a formidable ground game under O’Connell, the impact would be substantial. A dominant running attack would alleviate pressure on the quarterback and punish defenses for overcommitting to Justin Jefferson. The Vikings haven’t employed a dominant running back arguably since 2021 or 2022 when Dalvin Cook was still running wild.

While O’Connell’s play-calling genius is undeniable, he also needs to reveal his ability to construct a winning offense that isn’t solely reliant on the passing game to solve every problem. Claiborne might just be the catalyst that helps him achieve that balance.

Claiborne comps profile somewhere between Achane, Jerick McKinnon, and Nyheim Hines. Fans will begin to get a sense of his style and production in 68 days, when the regular season kicks off.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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UN condemns Racism after Kylian Mbappé Abuse

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The United Nations Human Rights Office has strongly condemned the racist and dehumanising remarks directed at France captain Kylian Mbappé, saying such abuse has no place in football or society.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the UN described comments made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla about Mbappé as “despicable” and warned that they reflect a wider problem across football and sport.

Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé of france

“The racist and dehumanising remarks against French footballer Kylian Mbappé by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla are despicable and, regrettably, not isolated.”

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The organisation also pointed to reports of racist incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying they highlight the need for stronger action against discrimination.

According to the UN, public officials have a special responsibility to reject racism and hate speech. It also called on governments, sports organisations and social media companies to do more to prevent and address racial abuse.

“Every athlete is entitled to equal dignity and respect, and language that dehumanizes people because of their race or ethnic origin has no place in sport or public discourse.”

The UN added that football has the power to bring people together and should be used to promote equality, dignity and respect rather than hatred.

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