Josef Newgarden passed Pato O’Ward on the final lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to win the Indy 500, marking his second consecutive victory.
Newgarden also won the 2023 Indy 500, becoming just the sixth driver in the history of the 200-lap race to win back-to-back titles and the first to do so since Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002.
Fans who waited out a weather delay were treated to a highly exciting finish as the white flag was waved at the start of the final lap when O’Ward, one of two Arrow McLaren cars chasing Newgarden and Alexander Rossi, overtook the Team Penske driver to take the lead.
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Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske car, celebrates after winning the 108th Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024. (Justin Castaline/Getty Images)
O’Ward had pitted for tires and fuel after his final pit stop on lap 172, while Newgarden had pitted three laps earlier.
He created a small gap at the start of the final lap, but Newgarden was patiently waiting behind him to make the right move.
Newgarden was close behind O’Ward, but he made a jump to the right, picked up speed and took the lead again.
That was the deciding factor.
Newgarden pulled away from his rivals again as he rounded the final corner and, as the checkered flag fell, he waved his hands in the air, knowing he’d won another coveted race.
Josef Newgarden drives during Curb Day practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24, 2024. (Justin Castaline/Getty Images)
Newgarden was seen jumping into the stands to celebrate with the fans, soaking up their cheers and love.
While Newgarden celebrated, O’Ward returned to the pits with his Arrow McLaren crew and was visibly distraught. The 25-year-old Mexican driver, who had come close to winning in his previous two runs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, rested his head on top of his car as his team consoled him.
Newgarden started the race in third place as Team Penske occupied the front row with teammates Scott McLaughlin and Will Power taking first and second places, respectively.
O’Ward, who started from eighth, finished second, and Sean Dixon, who started from 21st, finished third. Rossi and Alex Palou completed the top five.
Josef Newgarden celebrates after winning the 108th Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024. (Justin Castaline/Getty Images)
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Newgarden celebrated another Indy 500 win of his career with his crew in victory lane and drank from the traditional milk jug.
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