Note: The INDYCAR Writers’ Roundtable is looking back at a fantastic, entertaining 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule to offer discussion and opinions about a variety of topics. This 10-part series ends with this installment.

Today’s question: What is your way-too-early prediction for the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season?

Curt Cavin: The youth movement continues, this time with Colton Herta winning the series championship at age 22.

Zach Horrall: My way-too-early prediction is that Romain Grosjean is a legitimate title contender next season. The way he wheeled the No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing with RWR Honda in 2021 on tracks he didn’t know proved that he’s an incredibly talented driver – he is an F1 veteran for a reason. I think when you pair his talent with an organization like Andretti Autosport, there’s potential for big things to come. He scored three podium finishes in 2021. Just imagine what he can do in the No. 28 DHL Honda when he returns to many of these tracks for a second time. I’m not ready to say he’ll win the championship, but I’m damn close.

Paul Kelly: Scott Dixon will win the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. It’s hard to believe Dixon, owner of six INDYCAR SERIES championships and 51 career victories, has won “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” just once, in 2008. I thought No. 2 was coming last May when The Iceman won the NTT P1 Award, but it wasn’t to be. Dixon, 41, has been at the peak of the sport for so long it seems like he will drive forever. But time waits for no one, and Dixon’s chances to get back on the Borg-Warner Trophy are evaporating faster than some think. He’ll seal the deal next May 29 and add another layer of brilliant shine to his legend.