Top 25 Unforgettable Moments in Indianapolis 500 History

The Indianapolis 500, often called “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” has a history that spans over a century. Since its first race in 1911, this event has provided countless memorable moments for fans.

As the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 approaches, it’s a good time to look back at some of the unforgettable events that have shaped this legendary race. Here, we explore two of the top 25 most memorable moments in Indy 500 history, as ranked by FOX Sports.

These moments highlight the excitement of the race and show how cars and strategies have changed over the years.

Jim Clark’s Historic 1965 Victory

The 1965 Indianapolis 500 is remembered for several reasons. Jim Clark’s win in a Ford-powered Lotus was a turning point in the race’s history.

This was the first time a rear-engine car won the Indy 500. The victory signaled a major change in race car design and engineering.

The Rise of Rear-Engine Cars

In 1965, most cars in the race—27 out of 33—had rear-engine designs. These cars offered better power and balance than the older front-engine models.

Clark’s win proved that rear-engine cars were the future of the sport.

The Role of the Wood Brothers

The Wood Brothers, a famous NASCAR team, played a key role in Clark’s victory. They handled pit stops for Clark’s car and used efficient fueling methods to give him an advantage.

This teamwork showed how important strategy and collaboration are at the Indy 500.

Newgarden’s Controversial 2023 Victory

The 2023 Indianapolis 500 is known for its controversial finish. Josef Newgarden won his first Indy 500 after a dramatic last-lap pass, following several unusual decisions by race officials.

Red Flags and Race Restarts

In the last 15 laps, three red flags were waved because of crashes. Instead of ending the race under caution, officials chose to restart it, leading to a one-lap dash to the finish.

This decision was highly debated and changed the outcome of the race.

Ericsson’s Disadvantage

Marcus Ericsson was leading at the final restart but lost his lead during the last lap. Newgarden overtook him on the backstretch, which led to discussions about the fairness of the race’s ending.

Newgarden’s Triumph

Despite the controversy, Josef Newgarden’s win showed his skill and determination. This victory marked the start of back-to-back wins for Newgarden, securing his place in Indy 500 history.

Looking Ahead to the 109th Indianapolis 500

As we approach the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, fans eagerly anticipate what new stories will unfold. Will we witness another technological breakthrough or a nail-biting finish?

Only time will tell. The Indianapolis 500 continues to captivate audiences and create unforgettable memories.

For those interested in diving deeper into the history of the Indianapolis 500, be sure to check out the full list of the top 25 moments as ranked by FOX Sports.

This ranking offers a fascinating look at the events that have shaped this iconic race over the years.