Can anyone explain how the payment (Winnings) go for the INDY 500? I just don't get it... Winnings from the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500: 1. Dario Franchitti - $2,474,280 2. Scott Dixon - $1,102,280 3. Tony Kanaan - $636,580 4. Oriol Servia - $443,430 5. Ryan Briscoe - $489,930 6. James Hinchcliffe - $357,680 7. Justin Wilson - $303,430 8. Charlie Kimball - $277,655 9. Townsend Bell - $251,305 10. Helio Castroneves - $308,930 11. Rubens Barrichello - $331,080 12. Alex Tagliani - $252,205 13. Graham Rahal - $306,680 14. J.R. Hildebrand - $306,680 15. James Jakes - $252,555 16. Simon Pagenaud - $303,680 17. Takuma Sato - $301,755 18. EJ Viso - $303,430 19. Michel Jourdain - $253,305 20. Sébastien Bourdais - $252,805 21. Ed Carpenter - $304,930 22. Katherine Legge - $303,680 23. Ana Beatriz - $252,805 24. Marco Andretti - $368,480 25. Josef Newgarden - $257,805 26. Sebastian Saavedra - $256,305 27. Ryan Hunter-Reay - $346,680 28. Will Power - $310,430 29. Mike Conway - $305,430 30. Bryan Clauson - $258,055 31. Wade Cunningham - $251,555 32. Simona de Silvestro - $303,430 33. Jean Alesi - $251,555 Data as published by the IndyStar
Well, "winning" pays the most, but as you see from Alesi, even making the field and racing a short time generates a nice Pay Day. Maybe some others will know more, about the formula. I thought Alesi's post race exit interview was one of the finest I have seen, his enthusiasm for the event, his vow to "Return next year"... Really showed the importance and respect the European drivers have for the place....
They throw darts at a wall! No just kidding! I haven't dug into the article, but i believe this is the total payouts. Winnings are based on a number of things. Laps led, Poll, Finishing spot, Pit Challenge etc. Also fun fact, every drivers contract is different. Some drivers get to keep certain winnings and others just take a straight payment from their race team meaning the winnings go to the team.