Josef Newgarden took victory for the second consecutive year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by passing Pato O'Ward on the final lap to win the Indy 500.
Newgarden was also the winner of the 2023 Indy 500, becoming just the sixth driver in the history of the 200-lap race to do so consecutively and the first since Helio Castroneves, who did so in 2001 and 2002.
Fans who waited through a weather delay had quite the exciting finish to watch when the white flag was waved with O'Ward, one of the two Arrow McLaren cars chasing Newgarden along with Alexander Rossi, overtaking the driver of the Team Penske for first place. They began the final lap.
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Josef Newgarden, driver of the Penske No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team, celebrates after winning the 108th Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
O'Ward had tires and fuel after his final pit stop on lap 172, while Newgarden pitted three laps earlier.
He created a small gap to start the final lap, but Newgarden waited patiently behind him to make the right move.
O'Ward had Newgarden right behind him, and the latter jumped to the right and climbed a little to retake the lead.
That was the nail in the coffin.
Newgarden scored a fastball and once again pulled away from the competition. As he reached the final turn, he waved his hand in the air, knowing that he had captured the coveted race again as he waved the checkered flag.
Josef Newgarden drives during Carb Day practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24, 2024. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Newgarden was seen jumping into the stands to celebrate with fans, drinking in their cheers and affection.
As Newgarden celebrated the victory, O'Ward was seen with his Arrow McLaren team in the pits, and was clearly distraught. O'Ward, the 25-year-old Mexican driver who came close to victory in the previous two races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, dropped his head onto his car as his team consoled him.
Newgarden started the race in third position as Team Penske dominated the front row, with teammates Scott McLaughlin and Will Power in first and second, respectively.
O'Ward, who started eighth, finished second, and Sean Dixon, who started the race in 21st place, finished third. Rossi and Alex Palou completed the top five.
Josef Newgarden celebrates after winning the 108th Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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Newgarden celebrated with his team in victory lane, drinking the traditional jug of milk as he earned another Indy 500 victory in his career.
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