Who became the first Japanese-born winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 2017?

Takuma Sato became the first Japanese-born winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 2017. Driving for Andretti Autosport, he won the 101st Running at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 28.

Sato took the lead with six laps remaining and held off three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves over the final 15 miles. His victory also made him the first Asian driver to win the race, a distinction often highlighted in accounts of the event. Sato had already established himself as a major Japanese racing star through Formula One and IndyCar competition.

The 2017 field included Fernando Alonso, who made his Indianapolis 500 debut while taking a break from Formula One. Alonso led laps and attracted international attention, but he retired with an engine failure. Scott Dixon started from pole, while Sato started 4th and won with a Honda-powered car.

Sato later won the race again in 2020, becoming a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion.