IndyCar: Final Indy 500 seat almost filled

The race to land the final available seat for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 could be over before cars take to the track for Opening Day activities. Among the leading candidates, RACER has learned journeyman Ho-Pin Tung, 2014 Indy 500 rookie James Davison, or two-time Indy 500 starter Katherine Legge could be named to drive the No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda.

It's believed Davison (LEFT), who carries backing from Always Evolving and impressed most observers last year during a short program with KV Racing, is the most probable candidate for the ride.

The Aussie, who started 28th and finished 16th on his debut, would have an interesting compromise to deal with if he signs with Coyne. He's scheduled to compete at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Canada this weekend in the factory-supported Nissan GT-R he drives in the Pirelli World Challenge series, and with that full-time obligation taking precedence over time trials at Indy, it's believed 2013 IndyCar Rookie of the Year Tristan Vautier would step into the No. 19 during practice on Friday and attempt to qualify the car for Davison.

A formal announcement on DCR's final choice is said to be imminent.