History of Indy 500 three-peats: How Josef Newgarden can set record with third straight win in 2025

Josef Newgarden will have his work cut out for him in his quest for a third straight Borg-Warner Trophy.

The two-time Indy 500 champion has made Indianapolis Motor Speedway his own over the last two years, downing all foes in 2023 and 2024 to hoist American motorsport's most prestigious crown. He looked in strong position to repeat his feat once more in 2025, qualifying for the Top 12 after producing yet another sizzling four-lap display last Saturday afternoon.

Newgarden's optimism turned to ashes one day later. He and fellow Team Penske star Will Power were sent to the back of the pack after their cars failed inspection.

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If Newgarden wants to claim a third-straight Indy 500 title, he'll have to slalom through the whole field to do so.

Such a task is certainly an unenviable one. But if there's anyone capable of racing from back to front, it's Newgarden, a motorsports maven who could put himself in rarefied air if he kisses the red-brick road one more time in 2025.

With that, here's what you need to know about the history of Indy 500 three-peats.

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Have there been any Indy 500 three-peats?

Newgarden's latest Indy 500 triumph put him in elite company — the Team Penske supernova became one of just six drivers to go back-to-back at the Brickyard with his win in 2024.

If he were to claim a third-straight checkered flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he would become the first driver to ever accomplish such a feat.

Those Magnificent Five back-to-back winners to precede Newgarden — Wilbur Shaw (1939-40), Mauri Rose (1947-48), Bill Vukovich (1953-54), Al Unser (1970-71) and Helio Castroneves (2001-02) — all had opportunities to add to their collection. None were able to capture that all-important gold for one reason or another.

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Shaw suffered a back injury after wrecking while leading on Lap 152, while Rose saw his attempt fall short in the 1949 iteration of the competition. Vukovich was on pace to break the seal in 1955. But he suffered fatal wounds after wrecking while in the lead on Lap 57.

Unser and Castroneves were competitive in their attempts in 1972 and 2003, respectively. But second-place finishes meant the list of Indy 500 three-peats remains barren, at least for the time being.

Newgarden should have enough speed to compete for an Indy 500 title. Whether he'll have enough to overcome the 30-car disadvantage remains to be seen, however.

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Back-to-back Indy 500 winners

Newgarden joined an exclusive list last in 2024, becoming one of just six drivers to capture back-to-back Indy 500 titles. Here's a look at the few and proud races to have accomplished such a feat:

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