Read the thrilling post-race notes from the 108th Indianapolis 500. Josef Newgarden secures his victory, Team Penske dominates, and records are broken at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Welcome to the post-race notes for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In this article, we will delve into the historical and event notes from this thrilling race. So, let’s buckle up and dive into the exciting details!
Josef Newgarden: A Star Shining Bright
- Josef Newgarden secured his second career Indianapolis 500 victory in his 13th career “500” start. What an achievement!
- Newgarden joins the exclusive club of drivers who have earned back-to-back victories in the Indianapolis 500, becoming the sixth driver to do so.
- Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden is now the 11th two-time winner of the prestigious race, joining the likes of Takuma Sato who also achieved this feat.
- Speaking of Team Penske, they earned their 20th Indianapolis 500 victory, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the race’s history.
Thrilling Statistics and Records
- Team Penske made history by sweeping the front row in qualifying and winning the race, replicating a feat they achieved back in 1988.
- The No. 3 starting spot proved lucky for Takuma Sato in 2020 and continued its streak this year with another victory.
- Chevrolet engines made their mark with their 13th Indianapolis 500 victory, placing them third in event history.
- Car No. 2 added another win to its record, now tying with No. 3 for the most wins in “500” history.
- Helio Castroneves, a true legend, completed the full 500-mile distance for the 18th time in his Indianapolis 500 race career.
Moments of Drama and Excitement
- This year’s race provided heart-pounding action with a last-lap pass. Josef Newgarden made a daring move on the back straightaway to secure his victory.
- A total of 49 lead changes took place, adding to the race’s rich history of thrilling battles.
- Eighteen different drivers had the honor of leading at least one lap, setting a new event record.
- Marcus Ericsson unfortunately became the first former winner to finish last since Juan Pablo Montoya in 2016.
Unforgettable Performances
- Scott Dixon, the NTT P1 Award winner, led a race-high 64 laps, further cementing his position as a top contender.
- Christian Rasmussen, a rookie, showcased his talent by finishing in an impressive 12th place.
- Alexander Rossi continued his streak of top-five finishes, adding a fourth-place finish to his Indy 500 career record.
Fascinating Trivia
- Did you know that this is only the fourth time the Indianapolis 500 has been decided by a last-lap pass? The previous instances were in 2006, 2011, and now in 2024.
- Roger Penske made history as the first team owner to have two drivers win back-to-back Indianapolis 500s.
- Scott Dixon, with his third-place finish, now boasts an impressive nine top-five finishes in his 22 career starts.
Conclusion
The 108th Indianapolis 500 provided fans with an exhilarating race filled with remarkable performances, breathtaking moments, and records being shattered. Josef Newgarden emerged as the victor, etching his name in the history books alongside other legendary drivers. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the next edition of this iconic race.
FAQs
1. Who won the 108th Indianapolis 500?
Josef Newgarden emerged victorious, securing his second career Indianapolis 500 win.
2. Which team has the most Indianapolis 500 victories?
Team Penske holds the record for the most Indianapolis 500 victories, with an impressive total of 20 wins.
3. How many lead changes were there in the 108th Indianapolis 500?
There were a total of 49 lead changes in the 108th Indianapolis 500, adding to the race’s intense and competitive nature.
