Josef Newgarden Indy 500 celebration: Two-time winner leaps into stands after thrilling finish

David Suggs

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Josef Newgarden Indy 500 celebration: Two-time winner leaps into stands after thrilling finish image

As far as coronations go, Josef Newgarden's latest — a leap to the heavens at this year's Indy 500 — was as good as it gets. Newgarden had already been doused in sweet, sweet dairy one time before, back in 2023 when he snapped his losing luck at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This time was different, though. Even more eyes were fixed on this year's contest than usual, mainly because NASCAR star Kyle Larson attempted to try his luck at the scornful sorceress that is IndyCar's signature race.

Newgarden outpaced his foes — namely, Mexican standout Pato O'Ward — to take home the crown in one of open-wheel racing's grandest events. Newgarden decided to recreate the image that he made iconic this time last year, launching into the stands with impunity to celebrate with the masses of fans who pooled into the IMS concourses on Sunday night.

Josef Newgarden Indy 500 celebration

"I love this crowd," Newgarden said. "I've always got to go in the crowd."

For a moment, Newgarden's chances at reclaiming his Indy 500 title looked unlikely. O'Ward raced to the front in style, slaloming back-and-forth beyond the track to hold off Newgarden's rampant chase.

You can never hold off a champion, and with a swift pass on Turn 3, Newgarden left his adversary in the mire. In the process, he became one of just six drivers to take home back-to-back Indy 500 wins.

Newgarden is no stranger to winning at IndyCar's highest level. He's got 30 victories over the course of his glittering career.

Few can equal this one, however. His post-race celebrations reflected that, too. 

Back-to-back Indy 500 winners

Newgarden joined an exclusive list on Sunday, becoming one of just six drivers to capture back-to-back Indy 500 titles. Here's a look at the few and proud races to have accomplished such a feat:

DriverYears
Wilbur Shaw1939-40
Mauri Rose1947-48
Bill Vukovich1953-54
Al Unser1970-71
Helio Castroneves2001-02
Josef Newgarden2023-24

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.