Takuma Sato wins the 104th Indianapolis 500
Takuma Sato became just the 20th driver in history to win the Indianapolis 500 twice, claiming victory at the 104th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing under caution.
The sweet taste of victory for @TakumaSatoRacer!#Indy500 | #WinnersDrinkMilk pic.twitter.com/1A48pXKN3l
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) August 23, 2020
Sato spent most of the day dueling at the front of the field with perennial powerhouse Scott Dixon, who qualified in second place and led 111 race laps. On lap 185, Sato was finally able to make the pass stick, building a lead of nearly one second before lapped traffic allowed Dixon to climb back into the fight. Then, on lap 195, Spencer Pigot lost control coming out of turn 4. He spun, crashing hard into the pit entry barrier and bringing the race under caution prior to its conclusion.
Sato has made quite a name for himself at Indy; in the past four years, he’s nabbed three top-three finishes, two of which were wins—2017 and this year. Dixon jumped from ninth to third on the all-time Indy 500 lap leaders list, with 563 career laps lead at the brickyard. Only Ralph DePalma (612) and Al Unser (644) have led more.
An amazing day at #Indy500 and amazing my #30 @panasonic @_PeopleReady @HondaRacing_HPD boys!!
I can’t thank enough for entire @RLLracing and everyone’s support. Thank you soooooo much!!!!!みなさん、たくさんの応援を本当にありがとうございました。 pic.twitter.com/7pS8D9ukZT
— Takuma Sato (@TakumaSatoRacer) August 24, 2020
Among an impressive rookie class, it was Arrow McLaren SP’s Pato O’Ward who placed highest, piloting his Chevy-powered No. 5 car to sixth place when all was said and done. Honda-powered cars took the top four spots in the race this year, capping a dominant showing at the Brickyard.
The 500 was a bit different this year, with COVID-19 forcing the running of the race without any fans, a move that track and series owner Roger Penske made every effort to avoid. Race Organizers hope to resume the typical timing for the race next year for the 105th running, which is scheduled for May 30, 2021.
Check out the video below for a full video recap of the race.
