Top 11 Lightning-Fast Laps in Indy 500 History, Ranked

In the storied history of the Indianapolis 500, a race renowned for its speed, bravery, and sheer exhilaration, there have been a select few drivers who pushed the limits of velocity to achieve legendary status. These fearless racers left an indelible mark on the sport by recording the fastest laps ever witnessed at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

From the early days of the race, when pioneers of speed sought to conquer the treacherous turns and straightaways, to the modern era, where cutting-edge technology propels drivers to unprecedented velocities, we will traverse the annals of Indy 500 history. Each lap holds a tale of triumph, danger, and pure audacity as these skilled drivers pushed themselves and their machines to the absolute limit.

Be prepared to witness record-breaking speeds, heart-stopping moments, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Along the way, we will meet the brave men and women who etched their names in racing folklore, forever remembered for their breathtaking displays of skill, precision, and nerve.

So buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the adrenaline-charged world of the top lightning-fast laps in Indy 500 History. It's time to relive the breathtaking moments that define the essence of this iconic race and pay homage to the remarkable drivers who dared to chase the fastest lap records at the Indianapolis 500.

Alexander Rossi, an American racing driver, made a remarkable entry into the Indianapolis 500 with his victory in the historic 100th running of the race in 2016. Rossi's fastest lap of 225.288 mph showcased his speed and ability to perform under pressure. That lap was completed in a mere 39.9488 seconds. As a rookie driver, his victory was an astonishing achievement, and it solidified his place in the history books of the Indianapolis 500.

Rossi's calm and calculated approach, coupled with his natural talent, allowed him to conserve fuel and make strategic moves during the race, ultimately leading to his triumph. Since then, Rossi has continued to impress at the Indianapolis 500, consistently performing at a high level and earning the respect of his peers and fans alike. His skill, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion on motorsport's grandest stage make him a prominent figure in the annals of the Indianapolis 500's storied history.

Scott Dixon, a New Zealand racing driver, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers in IndyCar history. While his fastest lap of 226.006 mph made the top 10 list, finishing his lap in just 39.8220 seconds. Dixon's consistency, strategic acumen, and numerous achievements make him a formidable competitor in the Indianapolis 500.

Known for his smooth and precise driving style, Dixon possesses an innate ability to extract maximum performance from his car. With a victory at the prestigious race in 2008, Dixon's skill and racecraft have established him as a true legend of the sport. His performances at the Indianapolis 500 have been characterized by calculated decision-making, efficient fuel management, and a relentless pursuit of victory.

Takuma Sato, a Japanese racing driver, has etched his name in the history of the Indianapolis 500 with his daring overtakes and relentless pursuit of victory. Sato's fastest lap of 226.190 mph demonstrated his skill and determination to succeed at the iconic race. Sato's performances at the Indianapolis 500 have been thrilling to watch.

His calculated risks haven’t always paid off — as made apparent after this daring 2012 defeat — but that hasn’t (and won’t) stop him. Takuma’s fastest lap remains as one of the fastest on record, with one lap taking 39.7896 seconds. He’s continuing to set records, too. In May 2023, he hit speeds of 234.753 mph, a speed the Indy 500 hadn’t seen in years before. There’s no telling where he’s gonna go!

Tomas Scheckter, a South African racing driver, is known for his fearless driving style and aggressive approach on the track. Scheckter's fastest lap of 226.499 mph in 2002 highlighted his raw speed and willingness to take risks. Throughout his career, Scheckter provided spectators with exciting and dramatic moments at the Indianapolis 500.

This was also his fastest lap, completing it in just 39.735 seconds. His performances often saw him engaged in thrilling battles, showcasing his overtaking prowess and ability to maneuver through traffic. Scheckter's fearless approach endeared him to fans, making him a popular figure in the world of motorsports.

Charlie Kimball, an American racing driver, showcased his speed and precision at the Indianapolis 500. Throughout his career, Kimball has overcome personal challenges, including managing Type 1 diabetes, to achieve success in the world of motorsports. His fastest lap of 226.712 mph demonstrated his ability to push the limits and extract maximum performance from his car.

Kimball's performances at the Indianapolis 500 have often provided spectators with thrilling moments and exciting battles. His strategic acumen and skillful driving have allowed him to consistently be a strong contender in the race. During that run, he managed to complete a lap in just 39.6979 seconds.

Justin Wilson, a British racing driver, left a lasting impression with his performance at the Indianapolis 500. Tragically, Wilson's career was cut short when he suffered a fatal accident in 2015, but his impact on the sport and his memorable moments at the Indianapolis 500 will never be forgotten. Known for his tall stature and gentle nature, Wilson possessed immense talent and skill behind the wheel.

His fastest lap of 39.6580 seconds at speeds of 226.940 mph in 2013 showcased his speed and ability to compete with the best drivers in the world. Wilson was widely respected for his sportsmanship and kind-hearted nature off the track, making him a beloved figure among fans and fellow competitors. His passing was a significant loss for the motorsport community, but his legacy lives on through the memories of his impressive performances, including his time at the Indianapolis 500.

This Brazilian Indy driver has shown consistency, which has made him a formidable competitor. He’s always aggressively going for the win, and who can blame him? He cemented his status early, and he refuses to go anywhere – that’s made him an all-time great in this fast-paced sport. Naturally, he has some records under his belt.

One of his fastest laps sits at the fourth fastest lap of all time at 39.4560 seconds, reaching speeds of 228.102 mph. Off the track, he seems just as great. His engaging personality has charmed fans worldwide. There’s no telling where Kanaan is going to go, but we’re guessing he’s going to the top.

Santino Ferrucci, an American racing driver, made a name for himself with an impressive performance at the Indianapolis 500. Despite his relative youth, Ferrucci demonstrated his potential and skill on one of the world's biggest motorsport stages. His fastest lap of 227.345 mph in 2021 highlighted his speed and ability to compete at the highest level. It was completed in just 39.5874 seconds.

Ferrucci's rise through the ranks of motorsports has been notable, and his performances at the Indianapolis 500 have solidified his reputation as a rising star in the sport. With his young age and promising talent, Ferrucci is seen as a driver with a bright future ahead, and the Indianapolis 500 is just one chapter in his promising career.

Michael Andretti, an American racing legend, has a storied history at the Indianapolis 500. Andretti's skill and competitiveness have made him a perennial contender at the iconic race. As a member of the illustrious Andretti racing family, Michael followed in the footsteps of his father, Mario Andretti, a former Formula One champion and Indianapolis 500 winner.

Michael Andretti's performances at the Indianapolis 500 include leading numerous laps and fighting for victory in several close finishes. His ability to consistently perform at a high level showcased his skill behind the wheel and his deep understanding of the challenges posed by the legendary oval. He currently holds the record for third fastest lap with speeds of 229.118 mph in 39.281 seconds.

Tony Kanaan holds multiple entries on the list of fastest laps in the Indianapolis 500. Known for his aggressive driving style and determination, Kanaan has been a fan favorite and a respected competitor in the world of motorsports. His fastest laps, recorded in 2003 and 2005, were both incredibly impressive.  

In 2003, Kanaan set a blistering speed of 229.187 mph, highlighting his raw talent and speed. Kanaan currently holds the second fastest record for his speeds in 2003, which was done in just 39.26 seconds. Who knows what else he’ll accomplish? Will he be able to take the #1 spot?

Eddie Cheever Jr., an American racing driver, set the fastest lap in the history of the Indianapolis 500 during the 1996 race. Cheever's career spanned multiple disciplines, including Formula One and sports car racing, but his success at the Indianapolis 500 is a standout achievement. Known for his calculated and precise driving style, Cheever showcased his skill and fearlessness during the 1996 race.

His fastest lap, recorded at an astonishing speed of 236.103 mph, demonstrated his ability to extract every ounce of performance from his car. Throughout his racing career, Cheever displayed a remarkable ability to excel on both road courses and ovals, with the Indianapolis 500 being a highlight of his accomplishments. The fastest lap in history took just 38.119 seconds to finish.