By Paul Kelly | May 26, 2024
It was worth the wait, and then some.
Josef Newgarden joined the immortals at Indianapolis by becoming just the sixth driver to win the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in two consecutive years, edging Pato O’Ward in a scintillating race that was delayed four hours by a midday rainstorm.
Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Newgarden drove his No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet to the finish by .3417 of a second over the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of O’Ward, as they swapped the lead multiple times over the closing laps.
Newgarden, who started third, became the first repeat winner of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” since Helio Castroneves won in 2001 and 2002 for Team Penske. Newgarden also delivered the record-extending 20th victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” for Team Penske.
The victory delivered a $440,000 bonus to Newgarden from BorgWarner, the sponsor of the winner’s Borg-Warner Trophy, for his repeat victory.
Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon finished third in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, followed by Alexander Rossi in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
Reigning series champion Alex Palou rounded out the top five in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Stay tuned for a complete report.
Paul Kelly | INDYCAR Communications
