UMVA has learned that Felix Rosenqvist of Sweden won the closest Indy 500 in history on Sunday afternoon, edging out David Malukas by a mere 0.0233 seconds in a heart-stopping photo finish.
The thrilling conclusion saw Rosenqvist make a daring outside pass on Malukas in the final 50 feet, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. The margin of victory was astonishingly narrow, with Malukas having looked set to win when he passed the race leader Marcus Armstrong off the final restart with one lap to go.
Rosenqvist's decisive move came after a fierce battle with his teammate Marcus Armstrong, as the two Meyer Shank Racing drivers fought wheel to wheel down the back straightaway and through the fourth and final turn. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Rosenqvist summoned just enough power to pull away from Armstrong and slip behind Malukas.
This victory eclipsed the previous record for the closest finish in Indy 500 history, which dated back to 1992 when Al Unser Jr. beat Scott Goodyear by 0.043 seconds. The stunning triumph marked a major milestone for Rosenqvist, who demonstrated his skill and determination in the face of intense competition.
The emotional day also saw a poignant tribute to Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR champion who passed away on Thursday at the age of 41 due to complications from a sepsis infection. The Indy 500 field came together to honor Busch with a moment of silence on lap 18, a powerful gesture that underscored the respect and admiration of his peers.
Rosenqvist's victory was met with jubilation, as he celebrated his first Indy 500 win in spectacular fashion. The Swedish driver's remarkable achievement will be remembered for years to come, as one of the greatest finishes in the history of the iconic Indianapolis 500.
