Marco Andretti hoping to end family 'curse' in 100th Indy 500

That was the 53rd running of the event. We're about to witness the 100th. Between then and now, the Andrettis have lost the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing in almost every way possible.

Five members of the Andretti family have taken part in the 500. Combined, they've had over 70 chances to win 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.' And as stated before, only once have they triumphed. The reason why they don't have innumerable Borg-Warners by now is baffling.

Some blame it on bad luck, some attribute it to Andy Granatelli's now infamous kiss, others believe it's the toll they must pay for the success they've enjoyed elsewhere. A few call it fate, others just consider it a curse.

This month is the ten-year anniversary of the day then-rookie Marco came within feet of winning it all, only to be usurped by Sam Hornish Jr. in one of the closest finish in the history of the race.

"I thought, as a rookie, after that race went down, that I'd have five of 'em won by now. But this place makes you respect it when you're not able to be victorious. As a family, we've been incredibly dominant. It's just that one lap that counts. It's not about laps led, it's about the right lap."

Getting the job done

This year, he returns as a formidable veteran of the race. In 11 previous starts, he's scored four podium results. Does the 29-year-old believe this could finally be the year with the stars align for the famous family?

"I believe this place picks the winners, man. I'm just going to try and be in the shootout again, like we were the past few years. Just try and be in the right place, at the right time. That's just one of those things (where you're) hoping the man upstairs is with us."

He later added in response to a question from Motorsport.com, "I've had a lot of great shots, but I'm pretty confident in the race car. We've had a hell of a week. We've had a lot of things go wrong, but I'm still smiling because I have that quiet confidence. I know what I have in traffic."

Although the 500 has always been held in a higher esteem, the prestige of the 500-miler has been augmented with it being the 100th running ... And Marco definitely feels the added pressure. 

"It's pretty ramped up this year. I'm sure it is for everybody. This is a huge race every year for us. You can just feel the difference in this one."