2023 Indianapolis 500: Key Records and Contenders
In the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, Josef Newgarden aims for an unprecedented third consecutive victory, while Helio Castroneves seeks to etch his name in history with a fifth win. Both cases present significant milestones at the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newgarden and teammate Will Power, starting from the back row, have the unique opportunity to become the first drivers ever to win from that position. The current record for the furthest comeback to victory is held by Ray Harroun and Louis Meyer, who both won from the 28th starting position in 1911 and 1936, respectively. Historical context reveals that while starting from the back row is challenging, it is not insurmountable; notable examples include Tom Sneva’s second-place finish in 1980 and Scott Goodyear’s near victory in 1992.
Castroneves, racing for Meyer Shank Racing, is not only chasing his fifth title but also the distinction of being the first driver over 50 to win the event. Currently, the oldest winner record belongs to Al Unser, who was 47 years old at his last victory in 1987. Starting from 22nd, Castroneves faces a steep climb; however, Takuma Sato, who starts from the second row, emerges as a potential contender for the record should he secure a win today.
The pole position belongs to rookie Robert Shwartzman of Prema Racing, making him the first Israeli to earn pole and presenting an opportunity to become the first Israeli winner of the race. He is flanked on the grid by Pato O’Ward and Sato. O’Ward, a perennial favorite, could become the first Mexican champion at the Brickyard.
With Scott Dixon set to break Mario Andretti’s record for most Indy Car starts at 408, he also eyes a second Indy 500 win, which would surpass Juan Pablo Montoya’s record for the longest gap between victories.
Several drivers, including Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson, are positioned to potentially bring home inaugural wins for their respective nations. Simpson, along with teammates from McLaren and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, are in pursuit of breaking the youngest winner record, held since 1952 by Troy Ruttman.
As these drivers prepare to compete in one of motorsports’ most storied events, the possibility of new records and remarkable comebacks loom large. The Indianapolis 500 promises to uphold its reputation as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," with the victors destined to leave an indelible mark in the annals of history.
