Indianapolis 500 Rookie of The Year

Indianapolis 500 Rookie Of The Year

Winners of the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Award, first awarded in 1952. No official award was given from 1911–1951, even though at least one rookie starter has been present in every running of the Indianapolis 500. The award is voted on by members of the media the night of, or the morning after, the race, and does not necessarily go to the highest finishing rookie. Noteworthy accomplishments during qualifying, regardless of the respective race result, have frequently been a factor in voting. A rookie who runs up front during the race and/or leads laps (but ultimately drops out) can also earn many votes as well. Years in which two drivers are listed indicate co-winners, due to a tie in the final voting.