INDIANAPOLIS — Josef Newgarden has not only won back-to-back Indianapolis 500s, he's now won the largest purse in back-to-back years as well.
The Team Penske driver will take home $4.288 million from a total purse of $18,456,000. It is the largest purse in the history of the race, topping last year's purse of $17,021,500. The average payout for each driver is up from last year's $500,600, now averaging out to $543,000.
Borg-Warner was responsible for $440,000 of Newgarden's purse as part of a rolling jackpot for back-to-back winners. The jackpot increases by $20,000 each year a driver does not win back-to-back races. Prior to Newgarden's win on Sunday, it had only been awarded one other time, going to Helio Castroneves for his wins in 2001 and 2002.
Second place finisher Pato O'Ward will take home a cool million after being awarded a check for $1,050,500.
“The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and this record-breaking purse is reflective of just how monumental competing in and winning at Indy is for these drivers,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment.
Kyle Larson was named Rookie of the Year, earning a $50,000 bonus and bringing his total winnings to $178,000 for his 18th place finish.
You can watch this year's Victory Celebration Monday night at 8:00 on Channel 13.