By the numbers: Power or Castroneves for IndyCar title?

Helio Castroneves is not letting a large lead bloster his hopes at his first IndyCar title this Saturday night.

“We are still in it, and we know what we need to do now over the 500 miles,” Castroneves told the Indianapolis Star.

51 points separate the Penske drivers of Will Power and Castroneves, but with double points on the line, 51 points really isn’t that big.

The best case scenario for Castroneves would be to win and lead the most laps from pole, with Power six or more position behind.

Those with an outside shot

There are three other drivers with a very far outside chance at the title in Simon Pagenaud (-81), Ryan Hunter-Reay (-92) and Scott Dixon (-103). Those drivers would need Power to score no bonus points and finish near the bottom of the order to have a shot.

As soon as Power sits down in his seat for his first on track session at Fonatan this weekend, 2013 Champion Dixon will be mathematically eliminated from the title chase.

Depsite this, Dixon has words of wisdom for Power, who is heading into his third serious chance at a title in four years at Fontana.

“It’s just another race,” said Dixon.

“You’ve got to try and do what you did at the other races when you won.”