Past Indy 500 Winners, Prize Money, & Average Speed

The Indy 500 is the biggest IRL racing event of the year, and one of the biggest races to ever take place. Winning this event can make or break a career, just as many people judge other sports teams on whether or not they win championships.

The 2017 Indy 500 is set to take place on Sunday, May 28th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during your Memorial Day weekend. This prestigious race has taken place since the early 1900’s and is a tradition unlike any other.

How Much Money Indy Winners Make

This year marks the 101st running of the Indy 500 with only a few years taken off due to the two World Wars. Many of the drivers would tell you the money isn’t near as big of deal as crossing that finish line first, but whoever ends up winning the race will also be taking home a solid paycheck.

The total purse last year reached almost $13.3 million.  Alexander Rossi earned just over $2.5 million of that purse for winning the 2016 Indy 500.  The final purse each year is decided by a number of factors including attendance and television viewership, so the final amount isn’t known until after the race.  Historically, the winner takes home 2-3 times the earnings of the next-best finisher.

You might also be surprised to learn that final finishing position doesn’t necessarily determine how much money a driver will make.  Qualifying position, plus number of laps lead, plus a number of other factors are all considered when final paychecks are made.  For example, in 2016, Juan Pablo Montoya was paid $339,493 despite finishing in 33rd (last) and only completing 63 of 200 laps.  That’s considerably more than sixth-place finisher JR Hildebrand took home having completed the race and leading for 4 of the 200 laps.

List of Indy 500 Winners & Average Speed in Miles Per Hour