Alex Palou ready to win Indy 500 after Grand Prix victory

Yes, but: That runs on IMS' road course.

• The 500 is, of course, raced on the famous 2.5-mile oval track. It's an entirely different beast that, despite his success, Palou hasn't proven he's tamed.
• "The Indy 500 is a different game," he admitted in a post-race press conference Saturday night. "I don't think we're the favorites, but we're going to try everything we have."

The intrigue: Only twice since it was introduced in 2014 has the winner of the IndyCar Grand Prix at IMS gone on to win the Indy 500, and it's been six years since Simon Pagenaud last did it.

Yes, but but: Palou wants it bad.

• Asked if it was time for him to get his first oval win, Palou answered with an emphatic "yes."

• "I would love that," Palou said. "If that happens, I'll get crazy. Like very crazy … Things are going to fly. Flames here. Flames there. It's going to be amazing."

What's next: The cars are back on the track today for the opening day of Indy 500 practice.

• Gates open at 10am.
• Rookie orientation and refreshers start at 12:15pm, followed by practice from 2:15-6pm.
• Tickets are $20.