What Is 2017 Bommarito Automotive Group 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 was an IndyCar Series race held on August 26, 2017, at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois. Josef Newgarden won the race driving for Team Penske, leading 108 of the 248 laps.

Key Facts

Race date: August 26, 2017
Location: Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison, Illinois
Winner: Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
Total laps: 248 on a 1.25-mile oval
Newgarden led 108 laps, including the final 86 consecutively

Overview

The 2017 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 was a key event in the Verizon IndyCar Series season, marking the return of open-wheel racing to the 1.25-mile Gateway Motorsports Park oval after a 14-year absence. The race served as the 13th round of the 17-race season and played a crucial role in shaping the championship standings.

With a prize purse exceeding $1 million and significant championship implications, the event attracted all top IndyCar teams. The night race under LED lights added a dramatic visual element and tested drivers’ adaptability to changing track conditions.

Race distance: The event covered 248 laps for a total of 310 miles, making it one of the longest races of the 2017 season and demanding peak performance from both drivers and pit crews.
Track configuration: The 1.25-mile paved oval in Madison, Illinois, featured 10-degree banking in the turns and required precise handling due to its short-straight, high-downforce nature.
Winner:Josef Newgarden claimed victory, marking his third win of the season and solidifying his status as a championship contender in the final stretch of the year.
Margin of victory: Newgarden won by 1.8978 seconds over second-place Will Power, showcasing strong pace and tire management in the closing laps.
Attendance: Over 45,000 fans attended the weekend, reflecting strong regional interest and successful promotion by the Bommarito Automotive Group and IndyCar organizers.

How It Works

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 followed standard IndyCar Series protocols for oval racing, including qualifying formats, pit strategy, and safety procedures. Each element contributed to the race’s competitive balance and entertainment value.

Qualifying Format:Single-car, two-lap runs determined starting positions, with James Hinchcliffe earning pole position at 181.048 mph—the fastest qualifying lap of the weekend.
Double-file restarts:Implemented after cautions, this rule increased passing opportunities and added strategic depth, particularly in the final 50 laps when multiple restarts occurred.
Push-to-Pass: Drivers had 150 seconds of boost per race, usable in 15-second increments, allowing for tactical overtaking on the long straights.
Pit stops: Each stop averaged 11.3 seconds, with teams balancing fuel strategy and tire wear over 35-lap stints under race conditions.
Caution periods: There were 5 caution flags totaling 31 laps, triggered by crashes involving drivers like Max Chilton and Ed Carpenter.
Championship points: The winner received 50 points, with bonus points awarded for leading a lap and winning the race, influencing the tight title battle.

Comparison at a Glance

Key performance metrics from the 2017 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 compared across top finishers:

Driver	Team	Laps Led	Top Speed (mph)	Final Position
Josef Newgarden	Team Penske	108	219.4	1
Will Power	Team Penske	42	218.7	2
Simon Pagenaud	Team Penske	31	218.1	4
Helio Castroneves	Team Penske	23	217.9	6
James Hinchcliffe	Schmidt Peterson Motorsports	19	217.2	3

The dominance of Team Penske was evident, with their drivers finishing in the top six and leading 203 of 248 laps. This performance highlighted the team’s technical edge in aerodynamics and engine tuning on short ovals.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 had lasting significance for the IndyCar Series, both competitively and commercially. Its successful revival at Gateway helped reestablish oval racing in the Midwest and demonstrated strong fan engagement.

Championship impact: Newgarden’s win moved him within 42 points of series leader Josef Newgarden, setting up a dramatic final stretch to the season.
Manufacturer performance: Chevrolet-powered cars swept the podium, outperforming Honda units and influencing engine development priorities for 2018.
Broadcast reach: The race aired on NBCSN, reaching an estimated 1.2 million viewers, one of the highest ratings for a night oval race that year.
Sponsorship success: Bommarito Automotive Group reported a 30% increase in website traffic and dealership visits following the event.
Safety advancements: The race saw no major injuries despite five crashes, thanks to the SAFER barriers and improved cockpit protection standards.
Legacy: The event led to IndyCar renewing its contract with Gateway, ensuring the race would return annually through 2020.

The 2017 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 proved to be more than just a single race—it was a milestone in IndyCar’s efforts to blend tradition with modern racing technology and fan engagement.