Josef Newgarden wins Indianapolis 500 for 2nd straight year
Josef Newgarden once again brought his victorious Team Penske car to a stop on the Yard of Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He found that same hole in the fence, climbed through and was pummeled by fans celebrating his second consecutive Indianapolis 500 triumph.
Everything about his victory Sunday -- down to the last-lap duel, this time with Pato O'Ward -- seemed just like last year.
The Tennessean won a final-lap duel with O'Ward to become the first driver to win consecutive 500s since Castroneves did it for Penske in 2001 and 2002.
"I love this crowd. I've got to always go in the crowd if we win here. I am always doing that," said Newgarden
Penske had been watching the race high above the speedway and pumped his arm in celebration as Newgarden crossed the finish line.
As O'Ward bided his time during Sunday's closing laps -- he and Newgarden traded the lead several times -- O'Ward waited to make the winning pass on the final lap.
Newgarden was thrilled to have the win and put the push-to-pass scandal behind him.