Top 10 Most Shocking Moments from IndyCar's Wild 2024 Season
After evaluating the race season's most notable events, 2024 emerged as IndyCar's most unpredictable year to date, filled with unprecedented incidents and dramatic turns. Here are the key highlights that defined this remarkable season:
Indianapolis 500 Drama
- Rain delays pushed the race into evening hours
- Josef Newgarden claimed his second Indy 500 victory in a thrilling finish against Pato O'Ward
- Lifted local blackout led to exceptional viewing figures
IndyCar racers line up before race
Team Penske Controversy
- Illegal push-to-pass usage discovered at Long Beach
- Newgarden and McLaughlin disqualified from St. Petersburg race
- O'Ward awarded St. Petersburg victory retroactively
- Team personnel suspensions and remote work arrangements implemented
Notable Driver Changes
- David Malukas's brief Arrow McLaren tenure ended before first race due to injury
- Callum Ilott and Theo Pourchaire served as temporary replacements
- Dale Coyne Racing set record with nine different drivers across two cars
Memorable Moments
- Barber Motorsports Park mannequin incident during race
- Ferrucci-Kirkwood confrontation in Detroit
- Successful return to Milwaukee Mile after eight-year absence
- Rookie Kyffin Simpson's impressive fastest lap in debut
The season showcased both the sport's resilience and its ability to generate compelling storylines, from technical controversies to on-track achievements, marking it as one of the most memorable years in IndyCar history.