Celebrating Back-to-Back Glory: XPEL Protects Josef Newgarden’s Indy 500 Victory Pace Car
Published On March 3, 2026
Every year, the Indianapolis 500 delivers moments that become part of racing history. In 2023, that moment came in dramatic fashion, when Josef Newgarden made a last-lap pass to capture his first victory at the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The win was remarkable – not just for the fans, but for Chevrolet, Team Penske and for the iconic Corvette that led the field to green. Incredibly, Newgarden followed it up the next year with another win, becoming only the 6th driver (in 109 years) to win the race back-to-back.
Today, XPEL is proud to help protect a piece of that iconic history.
As a long-standing tradition (since 1936!), the winner of the Indy 500 receives one of that year’s pace cars as part of their prize package.
“It’s the ultimate trophy from that race,” said Newgarden. “I have a story with this car in particular, in a very sentimental way that I don’t have with any other vehicle. If there’s any car that I want in perfect condition, it’s this one.”
The official pace car for the 2023 race was the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 hardtop convertible, a high-performance machine that reflects the cutting edge of American engineering. With its mid-engine layout, 5.5-liter V8, and 670 horsepower, the Z06 represents the evolution of Corvette performance and innovation. It also marked a milestone as the first retractable hardtop Corvette to pace the race.
Finished in striking Red Mist Metallic with bronze wheels and bold accents, the pace car symbolized speed, precision and prestige. And when the race restarted for its dramatic final lap, that Corvette peeled off the track—setting the stage for one of the closest and most thrilling finishes in Indy 500 history.
After Newgarden’s victory, the pace car became more than a vehicle. It became a piece of motorsports heritage. That’s where XPEL comes in.
Protecting a vehicle like this is about more than preserving paint. It’s about preserving a story. XPEL Paint Protection Film provides an invisible shield designed to guard against chips, scratches and environmental damage—ensuring that this piece of racing history looks as incredible decades from now as it did on race day.
“Fortunately, we have a great partner like XPEL, who is the best of the best at protecting your prized possessions,” said Newgarden.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, vehicles connected to landmark moments carry emotional and cultural value. They represent passion, achievement and legacy. Whether it’s a championship race car, a limited-production supercar, or a personal dream build, paint protection ensures those memories endure. The 2023 Indy 500 Corvette Z06 pace car is now safeguarded with XPEL products, ready for the next chapter in its story. From the roar of the crowd to the final dash for victory, it represents the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.
“I know what it took to finally win that race. I know what it felt like to finally win that race. So, for me, it’s incredibly special. It’s a momento that will live on for, hopefully, for a very long time.”