With the first Indianapolis 500 going down in 1911, the race has a whopping 108 years of history under its belt. From countless memorable moments to some that might make you cringe, the Indy 500 has seen it all. As we gear up for the 109th Indianapolis 500 on May 25th, let’s take a trip down memory lane and rank the top 25 most unforgettable moments. Buckle up as we count them down daily!
No. 25: Jim Clark’s 1965 Victory
The 1965 Indianapolis 500 marked a historic moment with Jim Clark’s victory in a Ford-powered Lotus. It was the first time a rear-engine car clinched the win, paving the way for a new era in racing. Thanks to the Wood Brothers of NASCAR fame pitting his car, Clark had the edge with lightning-fast fueling methods that left competitors in the dust.
No. 24: Newgarden Passes Ericsson for 2023 Victory
The controversial finish of the 2023 Indianapolis 500 shook things up as series officials red-flagged the race for a one-lap dash to the finish. Marcus Ericsson was in the lead but was no match for Josef Newgarden, who made a daring pass on the final lap for his first of back-to-back Indy 500 victories.
No. 23: Milk Tradition Is Born in 1936
Louis Meyer’s 1936 victory not only marked his third Indy 500 win but also birthed a new tradition of drinking milk in victory circle. Additionally, the race saw the debut of the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy, a symbol of triumph and excellence in the world of racing.
No. 22: Al Unser Becomes Oldest Winner
In a twist of fate, Al Unser found himself without a ride for the 1987 Indianapolis 500 until a last-minute call from Roger Penske. Racing in a year-old car, Unser defied the odds and clinched his historic fourth win at the age of 47 years, 360 days, making him the oldest driver to conquer the Indy 500.
No. 21: Scott Goodyear Passes Pace Car
Scott Goodyear’s heart-stopping moment in 1995 left fans in disbelief as he passed the pace car on a restart, only to be black-flagged for the daring move. Despite his strong performance, Goodyear’s actions cost him a chance at victory, ultimately finishing 14th in the race.
No. 20: Mario Andretti’s 1969 Victory
Mario Andretti, a legend in the world of race-car driving, secured his only Indianapolis 500 win in 1969 with a dominant performance. Leading 116 of the 200 laps, Andretti left his mark on the race and became the first driver to conquer both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500.
No. 19: F1 Champs in the Spotlight
The 1993 Indianapolis 500 saw Formula 1 champions Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti, and Emerson Fittipaldi battling it out on the track. Fittipaldi emerged victorious, adding a second Indy 500 win to his impressive racing resume. However, his controversial decision to opt for orange juice over milk in victory circle raised a few eyebrows.
No. 18: Scott Dixon’s Scary Crash
Scott Dixon’s terrifying crash in the 2017 Indianapolis 500 sent shockwaves through the racing world as his car spiraled into the air after colliding with another vehicle. Miraculously, both drivers walked away unscathed, with Dixon receiving a walking boot for minor injuries sustained during the accident.
No. 17: Tony Stewart’s Epic Double
In a feat of endurance and skill, Tony Stewart completed the grueling 1,090 miles of the Indy 500-Coke 600 double in 1999. Stewart’s determination and resilience paid off as he finished sixth in the Indianapolis 500 and third in the NASCAR race in Charlotte, proving his prowess on both tracks.
No. 16: Willy T. Ribbs Makes History
Willy T. Ribbs shattered barriers in 1991 as the first Black driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500 despite facing numerous setbacks during practice and qualifying. With unwavering support from his team, Ribbs made his mark on the race, paving the way for future generations of minority drivers in the sport.
No. 15: Janet Guthrie Breaks Barriers
Janet Guthrie blazed a trail in 1977 as the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500, challenging stereotypes and proving her worth on the track. Despite an engine failure cutting her race short, Guthrie’s historic achievement set the stage for more female drivers to follow in her footsteps.
No. 14: Helio Castroneves’ Fence Climb
Helio Castroneves’ iconic fence climb in 2001 captured the hearts of fans as he celebrated his first Indianapolis 500 victory in style. Despite a controversial finish, Castroneves’ electrifying performance marked the beginning of a winning streak that would see him clinch four Indy 500 victories.
No. 13: Danica Patrick’s Trailblazing Moment
Danica Patrick made waves in 2005 as the first woman to lead laps in the Indianapolis 500, showcasing her talent and determination on the track. With a fourth-place finish, Patrick shattered expectations and paved the way for more female drivers to compete at the highest levels of racing.
No. 12: A.J. Foyt’s Fourth Victory
A.J. Foyt’s historic fourth win at the 1977 Indianapolis 500 solidified his status as a racing legend, overcoming the odds to clinch victory after a dramatic turn of events on the track. Foyt’s triumph marked a decade-long journey to secure his elusive fourth win, cementing his legacy in the annals of racing history.
No. 11: The Inaugural Race in 1911
Ray Harroun’s victory in the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 set the stage for a century of racing excellence, with Harroun’s groundbreaking win paving the way for future generations of drivers to leave their mark on the sport. In front of a crowd of over 80,000 spectators, Harroun’s victory marked the beginning of a storied tradition that continues to thrive to this day.
