Fernando Alonso's decision to run in the Indianapolis 500 is a big deal - that is undoubtedly true. The two-time Formula One world champion's inclusion in this year's race has garnered global attention, and he's backed up the hype with a strong Month of May. Despite having no oval experience, Alonso qualified his #29 car fifth for Sunday's race, and is one of the serious contenders to take the checkered flag.
However, many race fans are asking this question: if Alonso were to win the Indianapolis 500, would that be a good thing the race/IndyCar?
Yes, Alonso would probably bring more attention and publicity to the 500 with a victory, and would be a more noteworthy champion than someone like Ryan Hunter-Reay or Will Power. But, wouldn't the mystique of the Indianapolis 500 be diminished by a driver with no oval experience conquering it on his first try? How would it look for a current F1 back-marker (NOTE: that's due far more to his inferior team/engine combination than his lack of driving ability) to easily outpace almost two dozen full-time IndyCar drivers in the series' crown jewel event? It's a challenge to try to spin that into a positive.
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