The Indy 500 is the biggest race on the season and it's even bigger this year as it is the 100th anniversary running of it. There are the usual Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing contenders who are the favourites, but Alex Tagliani on Saturday made a case for the other guys by being the first Canadian to ever be on pole at the Indy 500.

Bump Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was unlike any other qualifying session as only 33 out of the 40 drivers made into in the field.  There was a lot of uncertainty, joy, and some hardship.  Bump day was a battle of wills, timing, and courage.  It was all on the line this weekend and Alex Lloyd made the most of it by bumping his way into the field with only minutes to spare.  However, with every bump there is devastation on the other end as Ryan Hunter-Reay did not qualify and was left speechless and in agony.  "I canít even process this right now. It's just devastating," said Hunter-Reay, driver of the No. 28 Team DHL/Sun Drop car.

As much as a spectacle bump day was it lost a bit of its luster afterwards.  A.J. Foyt announced on May 24th, 2011 that he sold Bruno Junqueira's ride to Andretti Autosport to get a ride for Ryan Hunter-Reay and appease their sponsors.  It is understandable that financial trouble led to this decision, but it just doesn't seem right.

This year will be the first time the Indy 500 will be the first oval course of the year.  If we look at who will be the favourites, we can look no further than last year's winner Dario Franchitti.  This will be Franchitti's eighth start at the Indy 500 and he already has had two celebratory milk showers.

Franchitti's biggest contender might just be his Ganassi teammate Scott Dixon.  Dixon won this event in 2008 and needs to make an impact this year after stumbling from the blocks.

The Lachenaie, Quebec native Alex Tagliani had the fastest car during qualification and he will hope to keep that same pace all the way to the checkered flag.

One can never count out three-time winner Penske's Helio Castroneves, but if his start to this year is any indication - it doesn't look like lady luck is on his side.

Rounding out the favourites to win the 100th Indy 500 would be Penske's Will Power (has yet to win an oval race) and Ryan Briscoe, KV Racing's Tony Kanaan, and Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti.