Indy 500 – Miscellaneous Records

The following includes miscellaneous records for the Indianapolis 500 in various categories.

Race Winners

Most Indianapolis 500 Wins (Driver)

4 — A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977)
4 — Al Unser Sr. (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987)
4 — Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991)
4 — Hélio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021) ACTIVE

3 — Louis Meyer (1928, 1933, 1936)
3 — Wilbur Shaw (1937, 1939, 1940)
3 — Mauri Rose (1941, 1947, 1948)
3 — Bobby Unser (1968, 1975, 1981)
3 — Johnny Rutherford (1974, 1976, 1980)
3 — Dario Franchitti (2007, 2010, 2012)

2 — Tommy Milton (1921, 1923)
2 — Bill Vukovich (1953, 1954)
2 — Rodger Ward (1959, 1962)
2 — Gordon Johncock (1973, 1982)
2 — Emerson Fittipaldi (1989, 1993)
2 — Arie Luyendyk (1990, 1997)
2 — Al Unser Jr. (1992, 1994)
2 — Juan Pablo Montoya (2000, 2015)
2 — Dan Wheldon (2005, 2011)
2 — Takuma Sato (2017, 2020) ACTIVE
2 — Josef Newgarden (2023, 2024) ACTIVE

Most Consecutive Indianapolis 500 Wins (Driver)

2 — Wilbur Shaw (1939–1940)
2 — Mauri Rose (1947–1948)
2 — Bill Vukovich (1953–1954)
2 — Al Unser Sr. (1970–1971)
2 — Hélio Castroneves (2001–2002)
2 — Josef Newgarden (2023–2024)

Most Indianapolis 500 Wins (Team/Owner)

20 — Penske Racing / Team Penske (Roger Penske)
6 — Team Green / Andretti-Green Racing / Andretti Autosport (Michael Andretti)
6 — Chip Ganassi Racing (Chip Ganassi)
5 — Lou Moore
3 — Duesenberg
3 — A.J. Foyt Enterprises (A.J. Foyt)
3 — Leader Cards Racing (Bob Wilke)
3 — Patrick Racing (U.E. “Pat” Patrick)
2 — Louis Meyer
2 — George Salih
2 — Harry Hartz
2 — Boyle Racing Headquarters
2 — John Zink
2 — Howard Keck
2 — J.C. Agajanian
2 — George Bignotti
2 — Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing (Vel Miletich & Parnelli Jones)
2 — McLaren
2 — Chaparral Racing (Jim Hall)
2 — Rahal Letterman Racing (Bobby Rahal & David Letterman)

Most Consecutive Indianapolis 500 Wins (Team/Owner)

3 — Penske Racing / Team Penske / Roger Penske (2000–2001–2002)
3 — Lou Moore (1947–1948–1949)
2 — twelve times

Team/Owner finishing 1st-2nd

1947 — Lou Moore / Blue Crown Spark Plugs (Mauri Rose & Bill Holland)
1948 — Lou Moore / Blue Crown Spark Plugs (Mauri Rose & Bill Holland)
1962 — Leader Cards, Inc. (Rodger Ward & Len Sutton)
1997 — Fred Treadway / Treadway Racing (Arie Luyendyk & Scott Goodyear)
2001 — Roger Penske / Marlboro Team Penske (Helio Castroneves & Gil de Ferran)
2003 — Roger Penske / Marlboro Team Penske (Gil de Ferran & Helio Castroneves)
2012 — Chip Ganassi / Target Chip Ganassi Racing (Dario Franchitti & Scott Dixon)
2015 — Roger Penske / Verizon Team Penske (Juan Pablo Montoya & Will Power)
2016 — Michael Andretti / Andretti Autosport / Andretti Herta Autosport (Alexander Rossi & Carlos Munoz)

Most years between individual victories

15 — Juan Pablo Montoya (2000, 2015)
12 — Hélio Castroneves (2009, 2021)
10 — A.J. Foyt (1967, 1977)

Oldest winners

1987 — Al Unser Sr. (47 years, 360 days)
1981 — Bobby Unser (47 years, 93 days)
1993 — Emerson Fittipaldi (46 years, 169 days)
2021 — Hélio Castroneves (46 years, 20 days)
1982 — Gordon Johncock (45 years, 278 days)

Youngest winners

1952 — Troy Ruttman (22 years, 80 days)
1912 — Joe Dawson (22 years, 318 days)
1926 — Frank Lockhart (23 years, 53 days)
1928 — Louis Meyer (23 years, 314 days)
1995 — Jacques Villeneuve (24 years, 49 days)

Drivers Who Have Finished First and Last

Last place is 33rd finishing position unless otherwise noted.

Driver	Win(s)	Last Place
Howdy Wilcox	1919	1921 (23rd), 1922 (27th)
Louis Schneider	1931	1933 (42nd)
Bill Cummings	1934	1936
Sam Hanks	1957	1941 (DNS)
Jimmy Bryan	1958	1959
Bobby Unser	1968, 1975, 1981	1963
Mario Andretti	1969	1968
Johnny Rutherford	1974, 1976, 1980	1977
Tom Sneva	1983	1986
Danny Sullivan	1985	1993
Buddy Lazier	1996	1991
Juan Pablo Montoya	2000, 2015	2016
Takuma Sato	2017, 2020	2011
Marcus Ericsson	2022	2024

Time Trials

Most Pole Positions

6 — Rick Mears (1979, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991)
5 — Scott Dixon (2008, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022)
4 — Rex Mays (1935, 1936, 1940, 1948)
4 — A. J. Foyt (1965, 1969, 1974, 1975)
4 — Hélio Castroneves (2003, 2007, 2009, 2010)
3 — Mario Andretti (1966, 1967, 1987)
3 — Johnny Rutherford (1973, 1976, 1980)
3 — Tom Sneva (1977, 1978, 1984)
3 — Arie Luyendyk (1993, 1997, 1999)
3 — Ed Carpenter (2013, 2014, 2018)
2 — eight drivers

Most Consecutive Pole Positions

2 — Ralph DePalma (1920‒1921)
2 — Rex Mays (1935‒1936)
2 — Eddie Sachs (1960‒1961)
2 — Parnelli Jones (1962‒1963)
2 — Mario Andretti (1966‒1967)
2 — A.J. Foyt (1974‒1975)
2 — Tom Sneva (1977‒1978)
2 — Rick Mears (1988‒1989)
2 — Scott Brayton (1995‒1996)
2 — Hélio Castroneves (2009‒2010)
2 — Ed Carpenter (2013‒2014)
2 — Scott Dixon (2021‒2022)

Most Pole Positions (Team/Owner)

19 — Penske Racing / Roger Penske (1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2019, 2024)
8 — Chip Ganassi Racing / Chip Ganassi (1993, 2002, 2008, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
4 — Dean Van Lines Racing / Al Dean (1960, 1961, 1966, 1967)
4 — A.J. Foyt Enterprises / A.J. Foyt (1969, 1974, 1975, 1998)

Rookie Pole Positions winners

1911 — Lewis Strang (starting grid determined by order of entries)
1914 — Jean Chassange (starting grid determined by blind draw)
1950 — Walt Faulkner
1983 — Teo Fabi
1996 — Tony Stewart (elevated to pole after death of pole winner Scott Brayton)
2024 — Robert Shwartzman

Owner/Team qualifying 1st-2nd-3rd

1988 — Penske Racing / Roger Penske (Rick Mears, Danny Sullivan, Al Unser Sr.)
2024 — Team Penske / Roger Penske (Scott McLaughlin, Will Power, Josef Newgarden)

Closest margin between 1st-2nd

2012 — 0.0023 seconds (Ryan Briscoe over James Hinchcliffe)

Closest margin between 1st-2nd-3rd

2023 — 0.0676 second (Alex Palou, Rinus VeeKay, Felix Rosenqvist)

Most Front Row starts

11 — Rick Mears (1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991)
9 — Bobby Unser
8 — A.J. Foyt
8 — Mario Andretti
7 — Scott Dixon

Three Former Winners on the Front Row

1975 — A. J. Foyt, Gordon Johncock, Bobby Unser
1987 — Mario Andretti, Bobby Rahal, Rick Mears
1988 — Rick Mears, Danny Sullivan, Al Unser Sr.
1991 — Rick Mears, A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti

Lap Leaders

Most Laps Led – Single Race (All-time)

198 — Billy Arnold (1930) winner
196 — Ralph DePalma (1912) finished 11th
195 — Bill Vukovich (1953) winner
190 — Jim Clark (1965) winner
190 — Al Unser Sr. (1970) winner

Most Laps Led – Single Race (Non-winner)

196 — Ralph DePalma (1912) finished 11th
171 — Parnelli Jones (1967) finished 6th
170 — Mario Andretti (1987) started 1st; finished 9th
160 — Michael Andretti (1992) finished 13th

Most Laps Led – Single Race (Rookie)

167 — Juan Pablo Montoya (2000) race winner
143 — Bill Holland (1947) finished 2nd
138 — Jules Goux (1913) race winner

Most consecutive laps led

198 — Bill Arnold (1930) laps 3–200
196 — Ralph DePalma (1912) laps 3–198

Most consecutive laps led from the start

92 — Emerson Fittipaldi (1990) laps 1–92
81 — Frank Lockhart (1927) laps 1–81
74 — Jimmy Murphy (1922) laps 1–74

Fewest laps led by the race winner

1 — Dan Wheldon (2011)
2 — Joe Dawson (1912)
5 — Josef Newgarden (2023)
9 — Juan Pablo Montoya (2015)

Most races led, career

16 — Scott Dixon (2003, 2006–2009, 2011–2015, 2017, 2019, 2020–2022, 2024)
15 — Tony Kanaan (2002–2008, 2012–2018, 2022)

Most consecutive races led, career

8 — Will Power (2013–2020)
7 — Tony Kanaan (2002–2008)
7 — Tony Kanaan (2012–2018)

Most lead changes (single race)

68 — 2013 (unofficially 84)
54 — 2016
52 — 2023
48 — 2024
38 — 2022
37 — 2016

Most different leaders (single race)

16 — 2024
15 — 2017, 2018
14 — 2013, 2023, 2025

Fewest lead changes (single race)

1 — 1930
2 — 1912, 1916

Fewest different leaders (single race)

2 — 1930
2 — 1965

Field

Races with more than 33 starters

42 — 1933
40 — 1911, 1931, 1932
38 — 1930
35 — 1979, 1997

Races with fewer than 33 starters

21 — 1916
22 — 1924, 1925
23 — 1920, 1921
24 — 1912, 1915, 1923
27 — 1913, 1922
28 — 1926
29 — 1928
30 — 1914, 1947

Most former winners in the Field

10 — 1992
9 — 1987, 2021, 2022, 2023
8 — 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2020, 2024, 2025

Fewest former winners in the Field

0 — 1911, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1916
1 — 1928, 1934, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1996
2 — 19 times

Most Rookies in the Field

40 — 1911 (inaugural race)
19 — 1919, 1930
17 — 1996
15 — 1914
14 — 1929
13 — 1913, 1927, 1997
12 — 1926, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1951

Fewest Rookies in the Field

1 — 1939, 1979
2 — 1941, 2007, 2015, 2021
3 — 1973, 1990, 2017, 2023, 2025

Oldest Starters

Age of drivers in their respective final “500” race start.

57 years, 130 days — A.J. Foyt (1992)
55 years, 293 days — Gordon Johncock (1992)
54 years, 251 days — Dick Simon (1988)
54 years, 90 days — Mario Andretti (1994)
54 years, 1 day — Al Unser Sr. (1993)

Oldest drivers on the track

Age of drivers that took practice laps; not necessarily in the race.

63 years, 54 days — Mario Andretti (Private test on April 23, 2003)
58 years, 119 days — A.J. Foyt (Practice on Saturday morning May 15, 1993)

Over the age of 50

Drivers who have made at least one start over the age of 50.

Mario Andretti, Cliff Bergere, Gary Bettenhausen, Duane Carter Sr., Helio Castroneves, A.J. Foyt, Ralph Hepburn, Gordon Johncock, Jim McElreath, Danny Ongais, Johnny Rutherford, Johnny Parsons, Lyn St. James, Dick Simon, Al Unser

Youngest Starters

Age of drivers in their respective first start.

19 years, 0 days — A.J. Foyt IV (2003)
19 years, 56 days — Colton Herta (2019)
19 years, 70 days — Josele Garza (1981)
19 years, 76 days — Marco Andretti (2006)
19 years, 81 days — Sage Karam (2014)
19 years, 141 days — Graham Rahal (2008)

Cautions/Yellow Lights

The following records for caution periods span three distinct and different methods beginning in 1935 when yellow lights were first installed at the Speedway. The races from 1911 to 1934 did have caution “slow down” periods when accidents occurred, but there were not yellow lights installed around the track, and officials generally handled the cautions differently.

1935–1971: Yellow Light periods (no pace car utilized, no “pack-up” rule existed)
1972–1978: Electro-PACER Yellow Light System (no pace car utilized, “pack-up” rule not utilized)
1979–Present: Caution periods utilizing the pace car and the “pack-up rule”

Each list below includes “all time” (dating back to 1935) unless otherwise noted. The years of 1937 and 1938 are excluded in some cases as there were no reported yellow light periods during the first 200 laps. The only yellow lights in those instances came during “extra time” after the race winner had completed the 500 miles.

Most Caution Periods – Single Race

14 — 1988
13 — 1980, 1992
12 — 1997, 1998
11 — 1956, 1967, 1981, 2007
10 — 1987, 1996, 2017

Most Caution Laps – Single Race

85 — 1992
69 — 1981, 2008
68 — 1988
65 — 1980
61 — 1998, 2009
59 — 1967, 1996
58 — 1956
56 — 1997, 2004
55 — 2007
53 — 1940
52 — 2020
50 — 2017

Fewest Caution Periods – Single Race

Excluding 1937–1938

1 — 1935, 1936, 1939, 1948, 1951
2 — 1946, 1952, 1961, 1969, 2021 (Record for the modern era “Pack-up” rules)
3 — 1941, 1947, 1949, 1955, 1965, 1970
4 — 1940, 1953, 1954, 1990, 2019
5 — 1984, 2002, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2023

Fewest Caution Laps – Single Race

Excluding 1937–1938

1 — 1936, 1951
2 — 1950, 1952
3 — 1947
7 — 1949, 1950, 1965
8 — 1953
10 — 1948
12 — 1969
13 — 1935, 1964
15 — 1954
16 — 1970
18 — 2021 (Record for the modern era “Pack-up” rules)
20 — 1939, 1955
21 — 1976, 2013, 2014
22 — 1946
24 — 1961
26 — 1990

Most Green Flag Laps Completed before first caution period (from start)

Since 1939

149 — 2014
125 — 1951
106 — 1939
94 — 1950
91 — 2023
65 — 2000
61 — 1974

Most Consecutive Caution-Free/Green Laps

Since 1939

149 — 2014 (Laps 1–149)
133 — 2013 (Laps 61–193)
125 — 1951 (Laps 1–125)
107 — 1969 (Laps 94–200)
106 — 1939 (Laps 1–106)
94 — 1950 (Laps 1–94)
94 — 1965 (Laps 25–118)
91 — 2023 (Laps 1–98)
91 — 2025 (Laps 109–199)
86 — 1977 (Laps 73–158)
82 — 1972 (Laps 62–144)
82 — 1978 (Laps 119–200)
78 — 1965 (Laps 123–200)
76 — 2021 (Laps 125–200)
74 — 2002 (Laps 99–172)
73 — 2021 (Laps 46–118)

Most Consecutive Caution-Free/Green Laps to the Finish

75 laps or more. Since 1939

107 — 1969 (Laps 94–200)
92 — 2025 (Laps 109–200)*
82 — 1978 (Laps 119–200)
78 — 1965 (Laps 123–200)
76 — 2021 (Laps 125–200)

*In 2025, officially laps 109–199 were completed caution-free (91 consecutive laps). A caution came out while the leaders were exiting turn four on lap 200.

Weather

The ambient temperatures listed below indicate the highs and lows that occurred at some point during the running of the race – based on the best the information available. It does not necessarily reflect the official high and low temperature for the entire day. The low temperatures typically occurred at the start of the race, and the high temperatures typically occurred during the latter portions, closer to the finish. Although there are unofficial thermometers at the track (which are used to record unofficial temperatures), the Speedway consider the official temperature for the race as that which was recorded at the airport. The “track temperatures” listed below are the asphalt pavement surface temperatures measured and recorded during the race.

Hottest Race Day Temperature

92° F — 1937
91° F — 1919, 1953, 2012, 2018
90° F — 1977, 1978
89° F — 1929, 2006, 2010
88° F — 1934, 2011
87° F — 1913, 1921, 1972, 2020
86° F — 1941, 1988, 2009

Hottest Race Day Track Temperature

133° F — 2012
131° F — 2010
126° F — 2006
120° F — 2018
106° F — 2009
103° F — 2011

Coldest Race Day Temperature

Temperature at the start of the race. Start time is 11 a.m. local time unless otherwise noted.

51° F — 1992
53° F — 1930 (10 a.m. start)
56° F — 1947
56° F — 1955
57° F — 1940 (10 a.m. start)
58° F — 1915 (10 a.m. start)
58° F — 1924 (10 a.m. start)
59° F — 1967 (Tues. May 30)
59° F — 1997 (Mon. May 26)
59° F — 1997 (Tues. May 27)
59° F — 2013 (12:12 p.m. start)
60° F — 1912 (10 a.m. start)
60° F — 1989
60° F — 2025 (1:32 p.m. start)

Race Day Wind Chills

Wind chills recorded during the race, where available. The methodology for calculating wind chill was revised in 2001. For years prior to 2001, the values for the old formula and new formula are shown.

1992 — Winds 23 mph ⇒ Wind chill 33° F (old); 44° F (new)
1997 — Winds 22 mph ⇒ Wind chill 45° F (old); 55° F (new)
1967 — Winds 15 mph ⇒ Wind chill 48° F (old); 56° F (new)
2013 — Winds 10 mph ⇒ Wind chill 57° F
2025 — Winds 12 mph ⇒ Wind chill 58° F

Time of Day

In most years prior to World War II, the Indianapolis 500 was scheduled for a 10 a.m. (local time) start. One exception was the 300-mile 1916 race, which was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. From 1946 to 2004, the start time was traditionally 11 a.m. local time. Eastern Standard Time was used in the Indianapolis area for many years, which is equivalent to Central Daylight Time.

The “traditional” 11 a.m. EST start time that was used for many years was equivalent to 11 a.m. CDT and 12 p.m. EDT.

In 2005, the start time was moved one hour later to 12:03 p.m. EST (1:03 p.m. EDT). In 2006, Indiana began observing Daylight Saving Time. From 2006 to 2010, the start was scheduled for approximately 1:11 p.m. EDT, after which time it was shifted back into the 12 o’clock hour. As of 2025, the start is currently scheduled for approximately 12:45 p.m. EDT.

Latest Start Time

The latest start time (local time). All late start times below were due to rain delays.

2024 — 4:44 p.m. EDT
1973 — 2:10 p.m. EST (3:10 p.m. EDT)
2000 — 2:10 p.m. EST (3:10 p.m. EDT)
2025 — 1:32 p.m. EDT
2004 — 1:10 p.m. EST (2:10 p.m. EDT)
1970 — 1:06 p.m. EST (2:06 p.m. EDT)

Latest Finishing Time

The latest finishing time for the race (local time) in modern times.

2024 — 7:43 p.m. EDT
2007 — 6:52 p.m. EDT
2004 — 6:12 p.m. EST (7:12 p.m. EDT)
1973 — 5:38 p.m. EST (6:38 p.m. EDT)
2000 — 5:09 p.m. EST (6:09 p.m. EDT)

Early years when lengthy “extra time” was permitted (latest overall finisher from respective year).

1912 — 6:43 p.m. (10th place finisher Ralph Mulford)
1913 — 5:56 p.m. (10th place finisher George Clark)
1916 — 5:39 p.m. (11th place finisher Tom Alley)
1914 — 5:36 p.m. (13th place finisher Billy Knipper)
1920 — 5:24 p.m. (10th place finisher Pete Henderson)
1911 — 5:23 p.m. (12th place finisher Hughie Hughes)

Earliest Finishing Time

The earliest time of day that the race has been completed (local time).

1976 — 12:42 p.m. EST (1:42 p.m. EDT) RAIN SHORTENED
1990 — 1:41 p.m. EST (2:41 p.m. EDT)
1950 — 1:47 p.m. CDT (2:47 p.m. EDT) RAIN SHORTENED
1989 — 1:59 p.m. EST (2:59 p.m. EDT)
2002 — 2:00 p.m. EST (3:00 p.m. EDT)

“Racers and Pacers”

On four occasions, the Indiana Pacers have played an NBA playoff game on the same day as the Indianapolis 500. All four times, the game was played at home in downtown Indianapolis.

May 30, 1999 — Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: New York Knicks 93, Indiana Pacers 90 (Box Score) at Market Square Arena
May 30, 2004 — Eastern Conference Finals Game 5: Detroit Pistons 85, Indiana Pacers 63 (Box Score) at Conseco Fieldhouse
May 26, 2013 — Eastern Conference Finals Game 3: Miami Heat 114, Indiana Pacers 96 (Box Score) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
May 25, 2025 — Eastern Conference Finals Game 3: New York Knicks 106, Indiana Pacers 100 (Box Score) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

On six other occasions, the Pacers have played NBA playoff games on race weekend – the day before the race and the day after the race.

1994 — The Pacers faced the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The “500” was held on Sunday May 29. The Pacers played Game 3 against the Knicks at Market Square Arena on Saturday May 28 (W 88–68) and Game 4 at Market Square Arena on Monday May 30 (W 83–77).
1995 — The Pacers faced the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. The “500” was held on Sunday May 28. The Pacers played Game 3 against the Magic at Market Square Arena on Saturday May 27 (W 105–100) and Game 4 at Market Square Arena on Monday May 29 (W 94–93).
1998 — The Pacers faced the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. The “500” was held on Sunday May 24. The Pacers played Game 3 against the Bulls at Market Square Arena on Saturday May 23 (W 107–105) and Game 4 at Market Square Arena on Monday May 25 (W 96–94).
2000 — The Pacers faced the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The “500” was held on Sunday May 28. The Pacers played Game 3 at New York on Saturday May 27 (L 95–98) and Game 4 at New York on Monday May 29 (L 89–91)
2014 — The Pacers faced the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The “500” was held on Sunday May 25. The Pacers played Game 3 at Miami on Saturday May 24 (L 87–99) and Game 4 at Miami on Monday May 26 (L 90-109)
2024 — The Pacers faced the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. The “500” was held on Sunday May 26. The Pacers played Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday May 25 (L 111–114) and Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday May 27 (L 102-105).

The Pacers are 0–4 in playoff games on race day (Sun), and 6–10 in race weekend games (Sat–Sun–Mon).