The Indianapolis 500, often referred to as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” has a rich history filled with memorable moments, extraordinary drivers, and unforgettable finishes. The 107th edition of this iconic race, held on May 28, 2023, was no exception, delivering a dramatic and thrilling conclusion that saw a first-time winner in Josef Newgarden, ending a long wait for the two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion. His victory, which came in a race filled with unexpected twists and red-flag interruptions, added yet another layer of excitement to the storied history of the Indy 500.
Newgarden’s Long-Awaited Victory
Josef Newgarden had come close to winning the Indianapolis 500 before, but the 2023 race was different. In his 12th career attempt, the 32-year-old driver from Nashville, Tennessee, made history by earning his first victory in the famed race. It was a well-deserved triumph for Newgarden, who had long been regarded as one of the best drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES but had not yet captured the prestigious win at Indy. His victory came after a thrilling final lap in which he passed the reigning champion, Marcus Ericsson, in a dramatic one-lap sprint restart to secure the win.
Newgarden’s path to victory was not easy. He started 17th, making him the furthest-back winner since Ryan Hunter-Reay, who started 19th and won in 2014. Despite being far from the front at the beginning of the race, Newgarden stayed calm and patient, biding his time and waiting for his moment to strike. He led just five laps throughout the race but made those laps count when it mattered most. His victory, in front of a packed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marked his 27th career IndyCar Series win and solidified his place in racing immortality.
His victory was also notable for extending Team Penske’s dominance at the Indy 500. This win marked the team’s 19th victory in the race, setting a new record for the most wins by any team in the event’s history. The victory also further cemented Penske’s legacy in open-wheel racing, as Roger Penske’s team continues to be one of the most successful and respected in motorsports.
A Wild Finish: Red Flags and a Nail-Biting Conclusion
The 107th Indianapolis 500 was not short on drama. The race, which was interrupted by three red flags in the closing 20 laps, had fans on the edge of their seats as the field became compressed and the stakes grew higher. With each restart, the tension mounted, and the outcome seemed uncertain. Newgarden’s pass of Ericsson on the final lap was a textbook example of the kind of bold, fearless racing that defines the Indianapolis 500.
The red flags, which were prompted by multiple crashes, added a level of unpredictability to the race. The first red flag came after an incident with Felix Rosenqvist, who started third but was involved in a late crash that ended his race. Other crashes involving prominent drivers like Pato O’Ward and Rinus VeeKay further disrupted the flow of the race. The tire from Kyle Kirkwood’s car even flew over a fence in Turn 2, though fortunately, no fans appeared to be injured.
Despite these disruptions, the race had been largely caution-free until the final laps. The early stages of the race featured clean, fast racing, with drivers like Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, and Marcus Ericsson leading at various points. The intensity of the race built gradually, but it wasn’t until the red flags in the final laps that the true chaos unfolded.
When the race resumed for the final one-lap sprint, Newgarden made a decisive move to pass Ericsson, executing a daring maneuver reminiscent of Ericsson’s own move the previous year. It was a “Dragon” move, a term that had been coined to describe a high-risk, high-reward move in the closing laps of a race. Newgarden’s ability to capitalize on the restart and make the move stick proved to be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Rest of the Field: Close Calls and Disappointments
While Newgarden’s victory was the highlight of the 107th Indianapolis 500, several other drivers also had noteworthy performances. Marcus Ericsson, the defending champion, finished second, narrowly missing out on the chance to become the first repeat winner since Helio Castroneves in 2001-02. Ericsson had been a formidable contender throughout the race, leading for 20 laps, but his inability to hold off Newgarden in the final sprint was a bitter disappointment.
Santino Ferrucci finished third, marking his best result in the Indy 500. Ferrucci had a strong performance throughout the race and found himself in contention for a podium finish in the final laps. He was followed by pole-sitter Alex Palou, who finished fourth, and former Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi, who rounded out the top five. Other drivers like Scott Dixon, Takuma Sato, Conor Daly, and Colton Herta finished in the top 10, but they were unable to mount a serious challenge in the final laps after the race’s late disruptions.
For some drivers, the 107th Indianapolis 500 was a day of missed opportunities. Felix Rosenqvist, who had been running near the front, was taken out in a late crash, while Pato O’Ward, who had led for 39 laps, saw his hopes of victory dashed in another incident. Meanwhile, Tony Kanaan, in his final Indy 500 appearance, finished 16th, one spot behind four-time winner Helio Castroneves.
What Made This Race Different?
The 107th Indianapolis 500 was different from previous editions in several ways. For one, the race saw the crowning of a first-time winner in Josef Newgarden, which brought a fresh narrative to the event. Newgarden’s victory after 12 attempts added a personal and emotional layer to the race, making it a story of perseverance and triumph. His performance also highlighted the unpredictability and drama that often accompanies the Indianapolis 500.
The race itself was marked by its dramatic disruptions, with three red flags in the final laps adding an element of chaos that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The intense competition and thrilling finish, with multiple lead changes and late-race drama, set this year’s event apart as one of the most memorable in recent history.
Moreover, the race was defined by strong performances from a diverse group of drivers, making it clear that the future of the Indianapolis 500 is in good hands. With veterans like Newgarden and Ericsson battling against up-and-comers like Palou and O’Ward, the race demonstrated the depth of talent in the field, and the unpredictability of the outcome was a testament to the competitive nature of the event.
In conclusion, the 107th Indianapolis 500 was a race for the ages. With a first-time winner, dramatic finishes, and a race full of unexpected twists, it proved that the Indy 500 remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable races in the world. As the tradition continues, fans and drivers alike will look forward to many more years of thrilling racing and unforgettable moments at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
