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IndyCar racing has a long history of thrilling finish line moments that have left fans on the edge of their seats. From last-lap passes to unexpected crashes, these moments define the excitement of the sport. Here are BigMike’s top 5 most dramatic finish line moments in IndyCar history.
1. The 2008 Indianapolis 500 – The Last-Lap Duel
The 2008 Indianapolis 500 is remembered for one of the closest finishes in history. Scott Dixon and Sam Hornish Jr. battled fiercely in the final laps. In the last stretch, Dixon edged out Hornish by mere inches, clinching his first Indy 500 victory in a photo finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
2. The 2011 Milwaukee Mile – The Unexpected Crash
During the 2011 race at Milwaukee, a dramatic crash occurred on the final lap involving multiple cars. The chaos allowed Ryan Briscoe to slip past the wreckage and take the win. The unpredictable ending showcased the volatility and excitement of IndyCar racing.
3. The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore – The Overtime Thriller
In 2013, the Baltimore Grand Prix featured a tense finish with a late caution. The race went into overtime, and Will Power managed to hold off his rivals in a nail-biting sprint to the line, securing his victory and thrilling the crowd.
4. The 2016 Indianapolis 500 – The Double Overtime Drama
The 2016 Indy 500 saw a dramatic double overtime finish. Fernando Alonso, making a rare appearance, was battling for the lead when a late caution set up a frantic restart. The race concluded with a photo finish, with Alexander Rossi claiming victory in one of the most exciting endings ever.
5. The 2020 Indianapolis 500 – The Virtual Victory
While not a traditional finish line moment, the 2020 Indy 500 was historic as it was held virtually due to the pandemic. The virtual race featured top drivers battling in an online simulation, culminating in a dramatic and unprecedented victory that captured global attention and proved the resilience of the sport.