3 popular IndyCar drivers with the least Indy500 wins ft. Josef Newgarden 

The 2025 Indy500 season marks the 109th season of the prestigious competition. This year, it will take place on May 25. The event is called the 'greatest spectacle in racing' and rightly so, as the drivers cover 500 miles at 220 mph within the 200 laps. Winning at this circuit has never been easy due to its demanding need for precision.

Drivers such as A.J.Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Helio Castroneves have won the prestigious event four times. However, there are several drivers who have won the Indy500 thrice, twice, or even just one time. Here are 3 drivers in Indy 500 history with the least wins.

The eligibility criteria for this list includes drivers that are Indy 500 winners.

1. Tony Kanaan (2013)

Tony Kanaan at Indianapolis 500 - Source: Getty

The Brazilian driver won the Indy500 title just once during his career, with KV Racing Technology in 2013. Tony took the chequered flag under caution lights due to the contact between Dario Franchitti and the barriers on lap 197 of the race. Kanaan made his IndyCar debut in 1998. He has one championship to his name along with 16 wins. Tony has a total of 296 starts throughout his career.

He took a step back from IndyCar in 2023 and is now back as team principal of Arrow Mclaren.

2. Josef Newgarden

The 107th Running of Indianapolis 500 - Source: Getty

The American IndyCar driver has won the Indy500 a total of two times. Newgarden will be entering his 14th IndyCar season with Team Penske. The car's No. 2 driver had quite a dramatic win during his 2024 season. Newgarden had to pull a last-lap pass on Pato O'Ward to see the chequered flag. This move by Newgarden driver has been deemed quite rare as it has taken place only four times during the 109 years of the event running.

For his 2023 win, he had to defend Marcus Ericsson with a zig-zag move till he saw the chequered flag being waved. There is one question on everybody's mind: will Josef Newgarden be able to defend his title this year and make 3 consecutive Indy500 titles? Only time will tell.

3. Marcus Ericsson (2022)

Marcus Ericsson at Indycar Testing - Source: Getty

Like Tony Kanaan, Marcus Ericsson has also won the Indy500 title once, in 2022 with Chip Ganassi Racing. Ericsson took the lead in the race almost towards the end. With just four laps to go, the red flag was brought out due Jimmy Johnson’s crash. Ericsson had to defend from Pato O'ward with just two laps remaining. Marcus Ericsson ended the 2024 season with 4 wins and 97 race starts.

The Indy500 2025 is scheduled to be held on May 25, 2025 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Defending champion Josef Newgarden has already confirmed his participation, along with a host of other drivers.