Josef Newgarden raced his way into rarefied air when he thrillingly captured his second straight Indianapolis 500 title on Sunday afternoon. He is only the sixth driver to ever go back-to-back at the iconic event, and the first to do so since legend Helio Castroneves in 2001-02, per NBC Sports.

The special feat is made more surreal by the fact that the Team Penske star had to dig deep into his bag of tricks to survive a furious push by Pato O'Ward in the final lap. He executed a brilliant move around the outside to retake the lead in the last 20 seconds.

The clutch performance gives fans one of the most memorable moments in the history of “the greatest spectacle in racing.” Newgarden also solidifies his individual place in history, just weeks after being engulfed in a cheating scandal.

Conversely, this is the latest agonizing chapter in the promising but still unfulfilled saga of Pato O'Ward. This marks the second time in three years he has earned a heart-wrenching second-place finish on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mexico must wait for the 109th running of the Indy 500 for a chance to see one of its own celebrate in the winner's circle.

For Josef Newgarden, the victory is likely as euphoric as it is monumental. He was disqualified for his St. Petersburg win in March after IndyCar found that he and Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin illegally used their push-to-pass software. Owner Roger Penske suspended team president and Newgarden's coveted strategist, Tim Cindric, and three others for two races.

That punishment did not obstruct the 33-year-old's path to championship glory, however. “Absolutely, they can say what they want. I don't even care anymore,” Newgarden said, via ESPN. “It's always a team win. This win epitomizes a team victory.”

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The racing world reacts to Josef Newgarden's Indianapolis 500 win

An Indianapolis 500 triumph will probably not change the polarizing perception of Newgarden or Team Penske, but there were plenty of people who are thoroughly delighted for his achievement. Just as he did last year, the Tennessean went into the crowd to celebrate the defining moment. The raucous scene was effectively summed up by Barstool Sports.

But even in the aftermath of the victory, attention remains fixated on the stunningly deft maneuvering that Newgarden was able to pull off on his winning pass in the conclusion of an unforgettable race. “One of the most clutch moves I’ve ever seen in my life at the 500,” Action Network's Dale Tanhardt posted on X. “Josef Newgarden’s unbelievable move for the win.”

Neither controversy, a rain delay nor Pato O'Ward could trip up the competitor on the grand stage and prevent him from enjoying a dairy shower. After accomplishing such a milestone, one has to wonder if Josef Newgarden is about to go on a tear for the rest of the IndyCar season.