Rossi can’t repeat as Indianapolis 500 champion; social media reacts
It wasn’t meant to be for Alexander Rossi.
The Nevada City native was trying to become the first driver since 2002 – and first American since 1971 – to win consecutive Indianapolis 500 races.
Rossi, who won last year as a rookie, finished seventh in Sunday’s 101st running of the Indy 500. His Andretti Autosport teammate, Takuma Sato, became the first Japanese man to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Heartbreaking. But proud of @FollowAndretti and @TakumaSatoRacer.
— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) May 28, 2017
Sato held off Helio Castroneves, who was seeking his record-tying fourth victory in the race. Castroneves is the last driver to win back-to-back Indianapolis 500s, doing so in 2001 and 2002.
Al Unser Sr. was the last American to win two in a row in 1970 and ’71.
Here’s a sampling of social media reaction to Rossi’s run.
This story was originally published May 28, 2017 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Rossi can’t repeat as Indianapolis 500 champion; social media reacts."