Column: Indy 500 a showcase of IndyCar's growing strength

Josef Newgarden waits in the pits area for the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Kirstin Kendall holds a sign as she seeks autographs during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, May 23, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Fans watch during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, May 23, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Jimmie Johnson, middle, talks with Juan Pablo Montoya, left, of Colombia, and Santino Ferrucci before practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, May 23, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, left, talks with Graham Rahal before practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, May 23, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Pato O'Ward, of Mexico, talks with Jimmie Johnson before practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, May 23, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)