What Is 2017 Grand Prix of Indianapolis

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Grand Prix of Indianapolis was an IndyCar Series race held on May 13, 2017, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Simon Pagenaud won the race, starting from pole position, marking his second consecutive victory at the event.

Key Facts

The 2017 Grand Prix of Indianapolis took place on May 13, 2017.
Simon Pagenaud won the race driving for Team Penske.
The race was part of the IndyCar Series and used the 2.439-mile road course layout.
Pagenaud started in <strong>1st position</strong> and led <strong>57 of 85 laps</strong>.
The event served as a lead-in to the 101st Indianapolis 500.

Overview

The 2017 Grand Prix of Indianapolis was the third round of the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season and marked the fifth running of the event. Held on May 13, 2017, at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the race utilized the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course configuration, blending sections of the famed oval with infield turns.

This event served as a key preparatory race for drivers and teams ahead of the Indianapolis 500, offering valuable track time and strategy testing. The race featured a mix of road course specialists and oval-focused drivers, highlighting the versatility required in the IndyCar Series.

Date and location: The race occurred on May 13, 2017, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.
Track layout: Competitors raced on the 2.439-mile road course, which incorporates parts of the 2.5-mile oval and a technical infield section.
Winner:Simon Pagenaud of Team Penske claimed victory, marking his second consecutive win at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.
Laps completed: The race spanned 85 laps, with Pagenaud leading 57 of them, showcasing dominant performance.
Significance: As a support event for the 101st Indianapolis 500, it provided critical data and momentum for teams entering the month's main event.

How It Works

The Grand Prix of Indianapolis is structured as a timed and lap-limited race on a road course, differing from the high-speed oval racing of the Indy 500. It tests drivers’ adaptability, pit strategy, and mechanical grip under changing conditions.

Term: Race Format The event follows a 100-minute timed format with a rolling green flag start; however, in 2017 it was set at 85 laps due to scheduling adjustments.
Term: Qualifying Drivers compete in a three-group knockout session, with the top 12 advancing to a final round to determine starting order.
Term: Pit Strategy Teams must balance fuel mileage and tire wear; one mandatory pit stop is required under normal conditions.
Term: Points System The race awards full IndyCar Series points, with 50 points to the winner and decreasing values down to 1 point for 33rd place.
Term: Safety Protocols The race uses full-course caution periods for incidents, with a maximum of three attempts for a green-white-checkered finish.
Term: Manufacturer Involvement Both Chevrolet and Honda supply engines, with performance parity monitored by IndyCar officials to ensure competitive balance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Grand Prix of Indianapolis with other key IndyCar events of the 2017 season:

Event	Date	Track Type	Winner	Winning Team
Grand Prix of Indianapolis	May 13, 2017	Road Course	Simon Pagenaud	Team Penske
St. Petersburg	March 12, 2017	Street Circuit	Josef Newgarden	Ed Carpenter Racing
Long Beach	April 16, 2017	Street Circuit	Josef Newgarden	Ed Carpenter Racing
Indianapolis 500	May 28, 2017	Oval	Takuma Sato	Andretti Autosport
Mid-Ohio	August 20, 2017	Road Course	Will Power	Team Penske

This comparison illustrates the diversity of tracks and winners across the 2017 season. The Grand Prix of Indianapolis stood out as a technical challenge, contrasting sharply with the high-speed oval of the Indy 500 just two weeks later. It also highlighted Team Penske’s dominance on road courses, with Pagenaud and teammate Will Power frequently leading.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Grand Prix of Indianapolis had significant implications for driver confidence, team strategy, and championship momentum. Its placement during the buildup to the Indy 500 made it a critical proving ground for car setups and driver readiness.

Team Penske momentum: Simon Pagenaud’s win boosted Team Penske’s morale heading into the Indianapolis 500, reinforcing their technical edge.
Championship points: Pagenaud earned 50 points, helping him maintain a top-three position in the early-season standings.
Manufacturer competition: The race demonstrated competitive parity between Honda and Chevrolet, with both brands finishing in the top 10.
Driver development: Young drivers like Ed Jones and Pietro Fittipaldi gained vital experience on a complex track layout.
Fan engagement: The event attracted over 60,000 spectators, reinforcing the popularity of road course racing in the U.S.
Media coverage: Broadcast live on NBCSN, the race reached over 1.2 million viewers, increasing visibility for the series.

Ultimately, the 2017 Grand Prix of Indianapolis served as more than just a standalone race—it was a strategic milestone in the month of May festivities, bridging open-wheel traditions with modern racing technology and competition.