Breaking: Alex Palou Promises Wild Celebration if He Pulls Off Indianapolis 500 Sweep; Josef Newgarden and Helio Castroneves Vie for History in Sunday’s Indy 500
The usually reserved Alex Palou, who clinched the Sonosio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has promised an unforgettable celebration if he wins this Sunday’s 107th Indianapolis 500. The Spaniard, currently leading the NTT INDYCAR SERIES points, hinted at an "amazing" celebration, leaving open the possibility of grand gesticulations and pyrotechnics to celebrate his first Indy 500 triumph.
As anticipation builds for the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," two prominent drivers are poised to make history. Josef Newgarden, the defending champion, seeks an unprecedented third consecutive win, aiming to become the first driver to achieve this feat in over three decades. Meanwhile, Helio Castroneves, at 50 years old, is eyeing a record-tying fifth Indy 500 victory, which would put him alongside A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears.
Adding to the intrigue, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson returns to the 500-mile spectacle, intent on making a mark on both the INDYCAR and NASCAR worlds on the same Sunday. The race also welcomes four rookies, including PREMA Racing’s Robert Shwartzman, as they bid for a spot in the historic event.
With practice kicking off today and eyesalready turning to Sunday, the stage is set for a thrilling and potentially record-breaking Indianapolis 500. Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds at the Brickyard!
Breaking: Alex Palou Promises Wild Celebration if he Sweeps Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS – The usually reserved Alex Palou has issued a bold promise ahead of this weekend’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge: if the NTT INDYCAR SERIES points leader takes the checkered flag, he’s going to let loose in a way that Indianapolis Motor Speedway has never seen before.
Palou: "Things are going to fly, flames here, flames there. It’s going to be amazing."
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver, who finished second in the 2021 "500" and has an average finish of 5.0 in the past four races, is eager to put on a show if he secures his first Indy 500 victory. Palou has led 119 laps in the past four years but has yet to lead the final lap.
"I’ll get crazy, like very crazy," Palou said. "Everybody in Indiana will know that I’m an Indy 500 champion if that happens."
Can Palou buck the oval trend?
While Palou has 15 career series wins, he has yet to secure a victory on an oval track. The Indy 500 presents the perfect opportunity for the Spanish driver to tick off both achievements in one historic weekend.
Records on the line at the 2025 Indy 500
Palou isn’t the only driver with something to prove in this year’s Indy 500. Two-time reigning champion Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) is pursuing a third consecutive victory, a feat never achieved in the race’s 109-year history. Meanwhile, marker Helio Castroneves (Meyer Shank Racing) is chasing a record fifth Indy 500 win, which would tie him with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears.
Oldest winners in history?
At 48 and 50 years old, respectively, Takuma Sato (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing) and Castroneves could become the oldest winners in Indy 500 history, breaking Al Unser’s record of 47 years and 360 days.
Indy 500 debuts and returns
The 2025 Indy 500 features four rookies: Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel, Dale Coyne Racing’s Jacob Abel, RLLR’s Louis Foster, and PREMA Racing’s Robert Shwartzman. Meanwhile, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson returns to Indy in search of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" victory.
Did you know?
- Only 10 drivers have won three or more Indy 500s.
- Marco Andretti seeks to become the 13th driver to make at least 20 starts in the event.
Pro tip: Indy 500 Edition
Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated! The Indy 500 is a grueling event for both drivers and spectators. Make sure to take care of yourself to enjoy the action-packed day.
FAQ
Q: Who is the favorite to win the 2025 Indy 500?
A: Alex Palou, Josef Newgarden, and Helio Castroneves are among the favorites, but it’s still anyone’s race.
Q: Why is the Indy 500 so significant?
A: The Indy 500 is the oldest and most prestigious race in the United States, attracting international attention and the largest single-day sporting event attendance worldwide.
Join the conversation
Now that you’re up to speed on the key storylines heading into the 2025 Indy 500, we want to hear from you, 247Sports readers. Which driver do you think will take home the Borg-Warner Trophy? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.