Helio Castroneves Wins His Fourth Indianapolis 500 In Front Of Record Post-Shutdown Crowd

Sports always seem to have a way of bringing out the best stories and moments. Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 provided more than one.

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In what was the fast 500 in history, Brazilian driver Helio Castroneves made a winning pass on Alex Palou with just two laps remaining. He led the final two circuits and claimed his fourth Indianapolis 500 victory.

They say you never forget your first. We have a feeling @H3lio will never forget his fourth, either.#INDYCAR // #INDY500 pic.twitter.com/JxOr7qB5kl

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 30, 2021

In a battle up front over the final 50 laps with young guns Alex Palou and Patricio O’Ward, that final pass says it all. The experience and wisdom of Helio Castroneves would not be overshadowed.

For those who weren’t aware, this fourth victory ties Castroneves for the most wins all-time by any driver in the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’. The 46-year-old joins A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears with a quartet of Indy 500 wins.

Foyt. Unser. Mears. Castroneves.

The new four-time #Indy500 winners club. pic.twitter.com/jn3Y2DNUjB

— IndyCar on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 30, 2021

Castroneves doesn’t appear to be stopping with this latest win either. Although he was let go by Team Penske in favor of younger drivers, the Brazilian not only found his way back to The Brickyard but won driving as a part-timer for Meyer Shank Racing.

Bettors could have wagered on Helio Castroneves to win the race at 30-1 odds.

After the 2020 Indianapolis 500 was forced to be run without fans, the crowd of over 140,000 strong got treated to an epic race as well as Castroneves’ signature fence climb celebration.

CLIMB THAT FENCE, @H3LIO!

HELIO CASTRONEVES HAS JOINED THE FOUR-TIME #INDY500 WINNERS CLUB! pic.twitter.com/z4NjX2VmMv

— IndyCar on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 30, 2021

Yes indeed, Spiderman is back, folks!!

The crowd on hand Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway also marked the largest gathering at a sporting event since the world shut down last year. The fact that 140,000 strong only marks around 40% of the speedway’s total capacity certainly puts into perspective just how large the facility is.

135,000 Fans Gather At Indy 500, Marking World’s Largest Sports Gathering During Pandemic (Photos) https://t.co/Ix6pR2Bk9s pic.twitter.com/RIcx1yvvSt

— Forbes (@Forbes) May 30, 2021

And you know full well that every last one of the 357,000+ seats would’ve been filled if allowed.

The Indianapolis 500 is a race with more history and tradition than one can fathom. Upon capturing his fourth victory, Helio Castroneves took part in all of the winner traditions.

He kissed the bricks at the start/finish line:

They say you always remember your first kiss, but we don’t think @h3lio won’t forget his second, third, or fourth.#ThisIsMay | #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/xdXiB40rvx

— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) May 30, 2021

He also accepted the victory wreath of white orchids and took the customary drink (or shower depending on how you look at things) of milk:

.@h3lio climbs his way into the history books and tastes the milk for the fourth time. #INDYCAR // #INDY500 pic.twitter.com/yvb3UorznD

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 30, 2021

Wow! WHAT A DAY!!!

Congratulations Helio Castroneves!

The climb to history is complete. #ThisIsMay | #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/Uq9mprWm3D

— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) May 30, 2021

There truly is no better day in auto racing than the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year, we just so happened to see some history made as part of it!

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