Submitted by IMS
Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden paid homage to one of Team Penske’s sponsors – Shell – when he unveiled the ticket for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Thursday, Feb. 29 in Indianapolis.
Newgarden earned his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” last May in the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet, and one of the many honors bestowed upon the winner is unveiling the ticket for the next year’s race. Featuring the winning driver on the next year’s “500” ticket dates to Mauri Rose’s appearance in 1948.
Nashville native Newgarden dropped the cover from a billboard-sized version of the colorful ticket, affixed to the side of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis parking garage and viewable from the parking lot of the adjacent Shell gas station.
Designed in house by Senior Art Director Mandy Walsh, the ticket features a photo of Newgarden jumping from the car on the famous Yard of Bricks last May 26 before he climbed through the fence to join fans in the grandstands. In addition to honoring Shell with the location of the ticket unveil, Newgarden shared Shell gift cards with the first 108 fans as a continuation of his fan-focused celebrations.
“My initial reaction seeing the ticket is how special it is,” Newgarden said. “It reminds me of right at the end of the race and the moment I was able to have with the crowd. To me, that was almost more significant than winning the race itself – was having the opportunity to celebrate with everyone who comes to the Indy 500.
“The ‘500’ is so much bigger than just me – it’s everybody who makes it out. There are generations upon generations who have been going to that race and have made it so historic. That’s what this ticket signifies. It’s that celebration with the community and what makes the Indy 500. It’s different than what you normally see. People are used to seeing Victory Lane. This is seeing the event for what it is and the significance and honor of being able to be there.”
Newgarden will defend his Indianapolis 500 victory Sunday, May 26 in the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with live coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
Tickets for the Indy 500 and all Month of May activities are on sale at IMS.com, by calling the IMS Ticket Office at 317-492-6700 or by visiting the ticket office.
The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 10 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding in St. Petersburg, Florida (live, noon ET, NBC, Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network).