Josef Newgarden, the reigning Indy 500 champion, has once again claimed victory at the Indianapolis 500, becoming the sixth driver in history to win back-to-back titles. The 108th running of this legendary race saw a thrilling battle between Newgarden and Pato O’Ward in the final laps.
The drivers from Team Penske and Arrow McLaren traded the lead multiple times, but Newgarden made a decisive pass on the white flag lap to secure the win.
Historic Achievement for Team Penske
This win not only solidifies Newgarden’s status as a top driver but also marks a significant milestone for team owner Roger Penske. With Newgarden’s victory, Penske celebrates his 20th win in the prestigious event, reinforcing his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.
Newgarden’s achievement places him among the ranks of legendary drivers who have managed to win consecutive Indianapolis 500s, a feat last accomplished by Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002.
A Celebration with Fans
ONLY IN #INDYCAR.
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 26, 2024
ONLY AT THE #INDY500.
THIS IS — AND ALWAYS WILL BE — THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN RACING! pic.twitter.com/NA0PxYhm5t
After his triumphant finish, Newgarden celebrated by jumping into the stands to greet the fans who had waited through a four-hour rain delay. “Unbelievable. I love this crowd,” he exclaimed, visibly exhausted but ecstatic.
He praised his team for their exceptional effort, stating, “They crushed it. I mean crushed it. They came here with the fastest cars. We worked our tails off. Team Chevy brought it.”
O’Ward’s Heartbreaking Loss
For Pato O’Ward, the race ended in heartbreak. The popular Mexican driver was aiming for his first Indy 500 win, having finished second in 2022. Despite taking the lead on the final lap, O’Ward couldn’t hold off Newgarden’s final surge.
Reflecting on the race, O’Ward said, “I put that car through things I never thought it was gonna be able to do. Oh man, it’s just so painful when you put so much into it and then two laps short I guess. Or two corners short.”
Top Finishers and Redemption for Newgarden
Another heartbreaking P2 for Pato 💔#INDYCAR // @ArrowMcLaren pic.twitter.com/Sip7OenjFp
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 27, 2024
Scott Dixon, a six-time IndyCar Series champion and the 2008 Indy 500 winner, finished third. He was followed by Alexander Rossi, the 2016 winner and O’Ward’s teammate at Arrow McLaren, in fourth. Two-time IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou came in fifth, while Scott McLaughlin, who started the race from the pole, finished sixth.
Newgarden’s victory is particularly sweet given the recent controversy surrounding Team Penske’s push-to-pass scandal, which had cost him his season-opening win in St. Petersburg. Racing without his strategist and lead engineer, Newgarden’s win at Indianapolis serves as a powerful redemption and affirmation of his skill and determination.
Celebrating a Legacy
Another heartbreaking P2 for Pato 💔#INDYCAR // @ArrowMcLaren pic.twitter.com/Sip7OenjFp
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 27, 2024
Newgarden now joins an elite group of back-to-back Indy 500 winners, including Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Bill Vukovich, Al Unser, and Helio Castroneves.
His legacy in IndyCar history is firmly established, celebrated with his crew in victory lane and enjoying the traditional milk for the second year in a row.
