Former Indy 500 Winners That Are Racing In The Indy 500
Competing in the Indianapolis 500 is an extraordinary achievement, and for former winners, the drive to return to Victory Lane burns as fiercely as it did the first time.
These seasoned champions, already etched into the history books, continue to chase greatness, fueled by an insatiable hunger for both glory and legacy.
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Winning the Indy 500 demands a combination of precision, endurance, and luck, and tasting that success often deepens a racer’s determination to repeat the feat.
Former champions know how it feels to hoist the Borg-Warner Trophy, hearing the roar of the crowd and etching their name alongside legends.
That memory doesn’t fade; instead, it motivates them to reclaim the thrill and cement their status as one of the sport’s elites.
Yet, the challenge grows steeper with each return to the grid. Every year ushers in a new wave of talented young drivers, brimming with ambition and eager to leave their mark.
What drives these competitors isn’t just a desire for personal accolades.
It’s about leaving a legacy that lasts beyond a singular moment.
Adding another win to their record anchors their place in racing history. They chase not only the checkered flag but the chance to embody what it means to be a true champion.
Take a look below at the Former Indy 500 Winners That Are Racing In The Indy 500.
1. Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021)
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Helio Castroneves is one of the most iconic drivers in Indianapolis 500 history, with a record-tying four victories.
He claimed his wins in 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021, becoming only the fourth driver in history to achieve this milestone.
Notably, his back-to-back victories in 2001 and 2002 set him apart as one of the few to win consecutively in the race’s storied history.
His 2021 triumph at age 46 further solidified his legacy, marking the first win for Meyer Shank Racing and showcasing his enduring skill and passion for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Castroneves’ signature fence climb celebration after each victory has made him a fan favorite and a legend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2. Scott Dixon (2008)
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Scott Dixon, one of the most accomplished drivers in motorsports, secured his lone Indianapolis 500 victory in 2008.
Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Dixon dominated the race, starting from pole position and leading 115 laps to claim the prestigious title.
This victory solidified his status as an elite competitor in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” further enhancing his storied career, which includes multiple IndyCar championships.
Known for his consistency and speed, Dixon’s performance in the 2008 Indy 500 remains a highlight of his illustrious racing legacy.
3. Marcus Ericsson (2022)
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Marcus Ericsson etched his name into Indianapolis 500 history with a thrilling victory in 2022.
Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Ericsson showcased exceptional skill and composure, particularly during a dramatic late-race restart.
His win marked the first Indy 500 triumph for a Swedish driver since 1999, cementing his legacy in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Ericsson’s achievement underscored his adaptability and determination, celebrating a milestone moment in an already impressive motorsports career.
4. Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014)
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Ryan Hunter-Reay claimed his memorable Indianapolis 500 victory in 2014, driving for Andretti Autosport.
The race featured a nail-biting finish, with Hunter-Reay edging out Helio Castroneves by just 0.060 seconds, one of the closest finishes in the event’s history.
His triumph marked him as the first American winner of the Indy 500 in nearly a decade, highlighting his skill and determination on one of motorsport’s biggest stages.
This achievement remains a defining moment in his decorated racing career.
5. Josef Newgarden (2023, 2024)
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Josef Newgarden secured his first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2023 and backed it up in 2024, delivering a masterful performance for Team Penske in a dramatic and highly competitive race.
Known for his consistency and tenacity, Newgarden’s win was a culmination of his dedication to the sport and marked a major milestone in his illustrious IndyCar career.
The victory further cemented his reputation as one of the top drivers of his generation, adding the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy to his growing list of achievements.
6. Will Power (2018)
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Will Power earned his first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2018, driving for Team Penske.
His win was a testament to his exceptional skill and perseverance, capping off a dominant performance during the race.
Power became the first Australian driver to win the prestigious event, adding a historic milestone to his illustrious IndyCar career.
This triumph solidified his place among the sport’s elite and remains a defining highlight of his achievements in motorsport.
7. Alexander Rossi (2016)
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Alexander Rossi captured a stunning victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 2016, driving for Andretti Autosport.
In a remarkable showcase of strategy and skill, Rossi won as a rookie, achieving the feat through a daring fuel-saving gamble that has since become legendary in the race’s history.
His triumph marked the first Indy 500 win for a rookie since 2001, and it solidified Rossi’s place as one of motorsport’s rising stars.
8. Takuma Sato (2017, 2020)
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Takuma Sato made history with two Indianapolis 500 victories, first in 2017 and again in 2020.
His 2017 triumph marked him as the first Japanese driver to win the prestigious race, an iconic moment in motorsport’s global history.
Driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2020, Sato’s second win was a masterclass in skill and racecraft, as he outpaced the competition in the closing laps.
These victories cemented his legacy as a trailblazer and one of the elite drivers in IndyCar history.
