Determining the greatest Indianapolis 500 finish is inherently subjective, as each fan’s perspective varies based on personal allegiances. What follows represents one curated selection of the ten most unforgettable Indy 500 conclusions in race history. While this ranking naturally leans toward more recent decades—when racing speeds have increased and finishes have become increasingly dramatic—we’ll reveal one entry each day leading up to the 110th running of the Indy 500 on May 24 (12:30 p.m. ET on FOX).
10. Ericsson Outduels O’Ward (2022)
Following a red flag period, Marcus Ericsson successfully defended his lead against Pato O’Ward in a dramatic two-lap shootout. However, the sprint concluded prematurely when a crash occurred on the final lap behind the leaders. Ericsson had maintained a comfortable advantage when the red flag was displayed with four laps remaining—a scenario that historically would have ended the race under caution with Ericsson declared the winner.
9. Foyt Survives Chaos (1967)
How does a driver who wins by two laps earn a spot on this list? Because the victory nearly slipped away on the final lap. As A.J. Foyt approached the checkered flag, a massive multi-car crash littered the frontstretch with wreckage and debris, forcing him to navigate through the chaos to secure the win.
8. Sato Can’t Catch Franchitti (2012)
This finish exemplified why the Indy 500 remains the sport’s greatest spectacle. Takuma Sato launched an ambitious passing attempt on Dario Franchitti early in the final lap, but Franchitti’s experience and skill allowed him to maintain the lead and sprint to victory. The race kept fans on edge until the very end, showcasing the tension that makes Indy 500 finishes legendary.
7. A 0.16-Second Winning Margin (1982)
Gordon Johncock and Rick Mears engaged in a breathtaking duel coming to the white flag, with Johncock successfully blocking Mears’ inside move at the start-finish line. Johncock repeated the maneuver on the final lap, winning by a mere 0.16 seconds—the second-closest finish in Indy 500 history at the time. This victory marked his second win, with his first having come in a rain-shortened race nine years prior.
6. Newgarden’s Controversial Win (2023)
In a controversial one-lap dash to the finish following a red flag, Josef Newgarden overtook leader Marcus Ericsson on the backstretch to claim victory. While the finish ranks among the most exciting in Indy 500 history, it also sparked debate over whether the red flag procedure was appropriate—particularly given Ericsson’s previous heartbreak in similar circumstances.
5. Fittipaldi Battles Unser Jr. (1989)
Emerson Fittipaldi and Al Unser Jr. delivered an epic duel over the closing laps that concluded with Unser spinning into the wall on Lap 199. Though the race ended under caution, the battle between the two legends was spectacular. Their dominance was so complete that despite not completing the final two laps, Unser still managed to finish second.
4. Hildebrand Crashes On Final Turn (2011)
This finish will forever be remembered for its shock value and heartbreak. J.R. Hildebrand appeared poised to claim an upset victory when he crashed in the final turn, allowing Dan Wheldon to sweep past for the win. The stunning conclusion stands as one of the most dramatic and unexpected finishes in Indy 500 lore.
3. Newgarden Stifles O’Ward (2024)
Josef Newgarden captured his second consecutive Indy 500 victory with another last-lap pass, this time denying Pato O’Ward in heartbreaking fashion. The dramatic outside move in Turn 3 created one of the most discussed finishes in recent memory, setting up what promises to be a compelling rematch when both drivers chase victory in 2026.
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