ADVENT CALENDAR DOOR 4 – Four wins. Four icons. Forever immortal. Legends who won the Indy500 4 times
As the calendar flips to the fourth day of this wonderful winter month of December, today’s advent topic naturally leads us to one of the greatest “fours” in all of motorsports: the legendary Four-Time Winners Club of the Indy 500.
In a sport defined by speed, bravery, and the slimmest margins imaginable, this exclusive club stands above nearly every other achievement in racing history.
Since the inaugural Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911, a staggering 804 different drivers have attempted to conquer the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Of those, only 76 have etched their names into victory lane, and just 20 have managed to do it more than once. But within that rare group lies an even more elite circle, just nine drivers have ever earned three or more victories.
Above them all, sitting atop the mountain like motorsport demigods, stand only four men. Four icons. Four legends. Four drivers who rose to a level of mastery that defies probability, skill, and time.
A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Hélio Castroneves: These are the only drivers to ever win the Indianapolis 500 four times.
David Letterman once said that winning the Indy 500 can make a driver immortal. If that’s true, then these four aren’t just immortal, they’re mythic. What they’ve achieved isn’t merely a racing statistic: it’s a testament to decades of excellence, adaptability, and unwavering courage at 230 miles per hour.
Hélio Castroneves
Hélio Castroneves stands among the most elite legends in motorsport as one of the very few four time winners of the Indianapolis 500, he is also the newest member of this sacred fraternity. His victories in 2001, 2002, 2009, and his unforgettable comeback triumph in 2021 elevated him into a sacred fraternity reserved for the greatest drivers in the history of the event.
Reaching this milestone was anything but easy. It took Castroneves 21 starts at the Brickyard, years marked by heartbreak, near misses, fierce battles, and moments of sheer brilliance. Through all the highs and lows, he remained a constant force at Indianapolis, his determination and joy for racing carving out one of the most iconic legacies ever seen at “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
A.J. Foyt
A.J. Foyt was the trailblazer, the first driver to etch his name into history as a four time winner of the Indianapolis 500.
His victories in 1961, 1964, 1967, and 1977 spanned nearly two decades, showcasing an unmatched longevity and adaptability in a sport constantly evolving.
It took Foyt 20 starts to capture his fourth win, a feat that bridged generations and solidified his status as a true legend. His success came in different cars, against different competitors, and in changing eras of racing, proving that his talent, grit, and racing instincts were timeless.
Al Unser
Al Unser became the second driver to join the exclusive club of four-time Indianapolis 500 winners, capturing his victories in 1970, 1971, 1978, and 1987.
His path to that fourth win was the longest of all, spanning 22 starts and nearly two decades. Yet it was precisely this longevity, paired with his calm precision and uncanny racecraft, that defined his legacy.
Unser wasn’t always the flashiest, but his strategic brilliance and ability to be in the right place at the right time made him one of the most respected and successful drivers in Indy 500 history.
Rick Mears
Rick Mears, perhaps the most efficient of the four-time winners, secured his Indianapolis 500 victories in 1979, 1984, 1988, and 1991.
Remarkably, he achieved this legendary milestone in just 14 starts, the fewest among the elite group. Known for his smooth driving style and surgical precision, Mears mastered the art of oval racing like few others.
His ability to remain calm under pressure and consistently deliver when it mattered most earned him a reputation as one of the all-time greats at the Brickyard, setting a benchmark of excellence that remains nearly untouchable.
They could have even more Wins
Each of these drivers also has at least one runner-up finish at Indianapolis, and three of them have multiple second-place results.
When you realize just how many times they nearly won again, you can’t help but imagine a universe where one lucky break, one yellow flag, or one perfect pit stop could have made any of them a five- or even six-time winner.
But that’s racing: beautifully cruel, relentlessly competitive, and forever unpredictable.
And so, on this fourth day of December, we celebrate the number 4 by honoring the four titans who turned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway into their own personal cathedral.
Their victories transcend eras, machines, and generations, reminding us why the Indianapolis 500 remains the crown jewel of American motorsport.
written by Drew Allison / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment
