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The return of Albuquerque's Al Unser Jr.

The return of Michael Andretti.

The return of Danica Patrick to the track that launched her to stardom.

And, to the dread of the rest of the grid, the return of Penske and Ganassi to the front of the field.

Running Toyota engines the past few years, both Penske and Ganassi cars have been off the pace. It's been Andretti Green Racing stealing the spotlight with their Honda engines, winning back-to-back titles and last year's 500 with Dan Wheldon.

But over the winter, Wheldon took his title and scampered over to Ganassi Racing.

And, now that every team uses Hondas, the superteams are back.

Between them, Penske and Ganassi have won all three races in this young Indy Racing League season.

Tony Kanaan is the only driver not from those teams to get a top three finish.

What about Unser? And Michael Andretti? And Patrick?

Unser, who drives a car sponsored by Geico, has as much chance of winning this race as a talking gecko.

Andretti's chances are a little better, but that's only because he has a better team.

Both Unser's and Andretti's best days are behind them.

Patrick? C'mon. She has a better chance of winning an ugly contest.

This race will come down to Penske vs. Ganassi.

In fact, I think the whole season will come down to those teams.

If both teams falter in the 500, then the Devil Rays could win the World Series. Like that's going to happen. But if it does, Andretti Green Racing will be there to pick up the pieces.

Here are the favorites:

Helio Castroneves, Penske Racing: He won the first two times he went to the Brickyard. He's looking for a hat trick and has the car to do it.

Sam Hornish Jr., Penske Racing: His luck will need to change if he's going to win. He seems to do well everywhere else, but has always had problems at Indy.

Dan Wheldon, Ganassi Racing: His move to Ganassi was brilliant. At first, I thought it was a mistake. But he's proven this team can win again.

Scott Dixon, Ganassi Racing: After a few years in the wilderness, the New Zealander is back. But of the "Big Four," I count him the least likely to win.

If those drivers run into problems, which I don't foresee, then Andretti Green's Dario Franchitti or Kanaan could wind up sipping milk.

Otherwise, I look for Castroneves to win his third 500.

Googe's column runs on Saturdays. You can reach him at cgooge@abqtrib.com or 823-3634.