History says Helio Castroneves won 2002 Indy 500. Paul Tracy disagrees
'We got robbed.' Inside the Indy 500 ending Paul Tracy disputed decades later.
Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022. We are republishing it as part of our coverage of the 2026 Indy 500 . Some references may be out of date.
INDIANAPOLIS — Paul Tracy can replay every tiny detail, minute by minute, second by second, of the finish to that race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The pass Tracy made to take the lead over Helio Castroneves on the 199th lap. The yellow caution light flashing.
The fans roaring. He hasn't forgotten what it felt like to win the 2002 Indianapolis 500, crossing the finish line first. "I'm screaming on the radio.
I'm screaming in joy," Tracy said in May of 2022. "And then all of a sudden, there is this confusion. " Confusion about a yellow flag thrown on Lap 199 of the race.
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