Josef Newgarden’s first-ever Indianapolis 500 victory was as hard-fought as they come.
After battling through three red flags thanks to some incredibly scary crashes in the final 17 laps, Newgarden overtook the 2022 Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson on the final lap to secure the victory. Newgarden was then able to out-duel Ericsson in the final stretch to win his first career Indy 500.
Fans had to wait nearly an hour over the expected finish time for the end of the 2023 Indy 500 after Felix Rosenqvist and Kyle Kirkwood collided in a scary crash that sent a tire flying past the stands. Two more crashes then followed, with fans wondering if the race would finish under yellow, but in the end Newgarden was able to take home the win after a thrilling final lap.
MORE INDY 500: Twitter reacts to Josef Newgarden winning the 2023 Indy 500.
And after all was said and done, Newgarden hopped into the crowd to celebrate with fans!
THE FANS@josefnewgarden celebrates this iconic win with the fans.#INDYCAR // #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/LdQ7LSLlGv
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 28, 2023
Then, finally, the moment racing fans were all waiting for. Newgarden drove over to Victory Lane to dump milk — whole milk, as was his choice! — all over himself to celebrate his win!
A moment Josef Newgarden will never forget. #Indy500 🥛 pic.twitter.com/0b85q5X2Nj
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 28, 2023
Here are 13 photos of Newgarden’s Indy 500 celebrations with fans and his iconic victory milk bath.
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Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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Jenna Watson/IndyStar
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James Gilbert/Getty Images
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Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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James Gilbert/Getty Images
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James Gilbert/Getty Images
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James Gilbert/Getty Images
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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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James Gilbert/Getty Images
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James Gilbert/Getty Images
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James Gilbert/Getty Images
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Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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James Gilbert/Getty Images