Photo by Annie Nunley.
Speedway, IN — The 108th Indianapolis 500 was seen by many as one of the more exciting editions of the race in recent years, as Josef Newgarden started from the outside of the first row to not only be one of the cars still running at the end of the 500 miles, but to in fact, win the storied race for a second straight year.
It’s the first time that’s been achieved in 22 years, since now 4-time champ Helio Castroneves did it in 2001 and 2002. Newgarden will receive a purse for winning this 500 that a year ago totalled $3.6 million, plus a $440,000 bonus for the consecutive victories.
Newgarden, only the 6th Indy driver to ever win 2 straight 500’s, credits his entire team with the win. He says its members had to concentrate on even the tiniest details to make everything come together. Newgarden says those folks didn’t make mistakes this year or last, and he feels his team deserves both those wins, not so much himself. He says he’s proud just to be part of such an outstanding group.
Next on the IndyCar race schedule, the Grand Prix of Detroit next Sunday June 2nd, followed by the Road America Grand Prix in Wisconsin on the 9th.
Photo by Annie Nunley.