Josef Newgarden Secures Back-to-Back Victory at Indianapolis 500 Despite Weather Setbacks

Josef Newgarden won the Indianapolis 500 for the second year in a row on Sunday. The race was delayed by four hours because of bad weather. Newgarden expressed his pride in his team, saying they worked hard and had the fastest cars.

The Indy 500, a highly prestigious event in the motorsport world, experienced a delay on Sunday afternoon due to extreme weather conditions. Pre-race activities were paused, fans were evacuated from the grandstands, and everyone had to wait for the rain to stop and for the track to be dried before the race could begin.

Originally, the race was supposed to start at 12:45 p.m. ET, but organizers decided to delay the start because of the threat of lightning. Once the rain had passed and the track was ready, the race finally started around 4:45 p.m.

This is the 108th edition of the Indy 500, also known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” As part of the IndyCar Series, a group of 33 skilled drivers will race around the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, covering 200 laps and 500 miles in a thrilling display of speed and endurance.

For the drivers, the Indy 500 is the ultimate challenge. It's a chance to make history, to take part in time-honored traditions like kissing the bricks at the start/finish line and celebrating victory with a bottle of milk.

British driver Katherine Legge shared with CNN Sport's Don Riddell that the Indianapolis 500 is the largest sporting event in the world. According to her, the atmosphere at the event is indescribable, with a unique personality that comes to life when the stands are filled with fans.

The iconic speedway, often referred to as "the Brickyard" because of its original brick pavement instead of asphalt, holds a special aura that sets it apart from other racetracks.

"According to 2023 winner Josef Newgarden, Indianapolis is all about the energy. He mentioned to NBC that anyone who has experienced the Indy 500 or understands its atmosphere can attest to the unique energy that cannot be found anywhere else in the world."

Newgarden douses himself in milk after winning the Indy 500 in 2023.

Newgarden douses himself in milk after winning the Indy 500 in 2023.

Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

How to watch

The Indy 500 is being broadcast live on NBC and streaming service Peacock.

International viewers can stay updated on the action by checking out the full list of broadcasters available. If you're in a country without IndyCar broadcasting contracts, you can still follow along on INDYCAR LIVE, the series' subscription streaming service.

In Central Indiana, the race is usually not shown on TV to encourage residents to purchase tickets and attend the event in person. However, due to a storm, the blackout was lifted on Sunday afternoon as confirmed by track officials.

The Indy 500 often coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix, considered the “crown jewel” of Formula One. Charles Leclerc, a local favorite, clinched his first victory in the race around Monte Carlo earlier on Sunday.

A front row sweep

For just the second time ever, one team has managed to secure the top two positions on the grid.

Scott McLaughlin from Team Penske claimed pole position for the race, clocking an impressive average speed of 234.220 mph over four laps, making it the fastest in the history of the Indy 500.

Australian driver Will Power, winner of the 2018 ‘500 race, came in second with an average speed of 233.917 mph. Following him was two-time IndyCar champion Newgarden in third place, completing a front row sweep for Team Penske.

Team Penske made history by being the first team to achieve a front row sweep in 1988. They also hold the record for the most Indy 500 poles with a total of 19. The team is led by owner and chairman Robert Penske, who also owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar series.

It was McLaughlin’s first ‘500 pole, having achieved a best qualifying position of 14th last year.

McLaughlin celebrates after taking pole.

McLaughlin celebrates after taking pole.

Darron Cummings/AP

"The Pennzoil Chevy was amazing," said the New Zealander at the party, according to the race's official site. He expressed his pride in being able to compete and acknowledged the challenges he faced at Indy. "I'm putting in the effort to improve. The Thirsty 3's team is ready to make their mark."

In a strong showing, Chevrolet-powered drivers secured the top eight positions in the 33-car field.

Newgarden is aiming to become only the sixth driver to win back-to-back races in Indianapolis and the first since Hélio Castroneves (who qualified 20th for this year’s race) in 2002.

500 + 600

NASCAR Cup points leader Kyle Larson is aiming to compete in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Despite a rain delay, Larson was present at the Indianapolis track as the race kicked off, though he will not be able to participate in every lap of the NASCAR race.

This weekend marks Larson's debut in IndyCar racing. Racing for Arrow McLaren, he secured a strong fifth-place qualifying position and has a chance to win the Indy 500 as a rookie.

After competing in the Indy 500, Larson will move on to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina to participate in two big motorsport races on the same day. He will have to switch places with another driver for the beginning of the 600 race. The NASCAR race is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET.

Larson is an experienced NASCAR driver but new to IndyCar.

Larson is an experienced NASCAR driver but new to IndyCar.

Christopher Leduc/Icon Sportswire/AP

Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, wanted to join the exclusive group of drivers who have started both races. John Andretti was the first to do so in 1994, followed by Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart. Kurt Busch was the most recent driver to attempt the double in 2014.

Known as "The Double," this challenge is considered one of the toughest in motorsport. It involves driving 1,100 miles in a single day, switching between open-wheel and stock cars, and dealing with a demanding travel schedule.

Larson expressed in 2021 that he does not want to be limited to being recognized solely as the best NASCAR or sprint car driver of all time. He aims to be known as a versatile driver who can excel in various types of vehicles.

Helio Castroneves, one of the four drivers who have won the Indy 500 four times, is aiming to make history on Sunday as he participates in the race for the 24th time.

If Castroneves wins on Sunday, he will become the sole record holder for the most wins in the race, with five victories. However, it will be a challenging feat for him as he starts from the seventh row.

At 49 years old, Castroneves is aiming to become the oldest ‘500 winner ever and does not plan to hit the brakes any time soon.

Castroneves is already a legendary figure in Indianapolis.

Castroneves is already a legendary figure in Indianapolis.

Michael Conroy/AP

"My goal has always been to race at 50," he shared with Indy Star. "But I don't want to just go through the motions. I believe we still have what it takes to be competitive, not just to win, but to really excite the fans here, and that's what I aim to do.

"At this moment, I want to continue because it's what I'm most familiar with. I know this will eventually change, but I don't foresee it happening anytime soon."

Editor's P/S:

The 108th Indianapolis 500 was a race of firsts and near-misses. Josef Newgarden became the first driver since Helio Castroneves in 2002 to win back-to-back races, and the first to do so for Team Penske. Scott McLaughlin claimed his first Indy 500 pole, becoming only the second driver to secure the top spot for the team since 1988. Kyle Larson made history by attempting the daunting "Double," competing in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

Despite the challenges posed by weather delays and a competitive field, Newgarden emerged victorious, showcasing the skill and determination that have made him one of the most successful drivers in the sport. The race also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Indianapolis 500, which continues to attract top drivers and thrill fans worldwide.