The Indianapolis 500 (ad) is known for its high-speed thrills, but the 2025 Last Row Party brings a different kind of excitement—celebrating the slowest qualifiers with a night of fun, laughter, and motorsport magic! Hosted by the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, this 53rd annual event takes place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM EDT at the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway, Indiana.
This year’s Last Row drivers are none other than Rinus VeeKay (31st), Josef Newgarden (32nd), and Will Power (33rd). Whether you’re a die-hard IndyCar fan or just looking for a unique Indianapolis 500 event, the Last Row Party promises an unforgettable evening.
Meet the 2025 Last Row Drivers
The Last Row Party is renowned for its lighthearted roast of the Indy 500 (ad)’s slowest qualifiers, but 2025 brings a unique twist to the tradition. Let’s dive into this year’s honorees—Rinus VeeKay, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power—and the dramatic circumstances that placed them in the spotlight of the last row:
Rinus VeeKay – 31st Position
At 24 years old, Dutch driver Rinus VeeKay is a rising star with Dale Coyne Racing. Known for being the youngest Indy 500 front-row qualifier in history, VeeKay naturally qualified in 31st for the 2025 Indy 500. Despite his position, his talent and charisma make him a fan favorite at the Last Row Party.
Josef Newgarden – 32nd Position
Josef Newgarden, a two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion (2017, 2019) and back-to-back Indy 500 winner (2023, 2024), was set to start 11th but was sent to 32nd due to a penalty for illegal modifications to his Team Penske car. With 31 career wins, he’s the winningest active American driver and tied for 10th on IndyCar’s all-time wins list. Expect his competitive spirit to shine at the event!
Will Power – 33rd Position
A veteran of the IndyCar circuit, Will Power holds the record for the most poles in IndyCar history (70) and won the Indy 500 in 2018. Also racing for Team Penske, Power was originally set for 12th but dropped to 33rd due to the same penalty as Newgarden. Fans can look forward to some good-natured roasting as Power takes the stage!
Impact of the Penalties
The penalties for Newgarden and Power reshuffled the Indy 500 grid, pushing Marco Andretti (Andretti-Herta Motorsport) to 29th and Marcus Armstrong (Meyer Shank Racing) to 30th. Andretti, who qualified 31st before the penalties, missed out on a symbolic 31-cent Last Row check due to the shakeup, adding an extra layer of drama to this year’s event. Likewise, Armstrong lost his 31-cent Last Row check, and VeeKay’s check was reduced by two cents.
What to Expect at the 2025 Last Row Party
This year, the Last Row Party is shaking things up with a new location at the Dallara IndyCar Factory, a hub of cutting-edge motorsport engineering. Here’s what’s in store for attendees:
- Meet-and-Greet with Last Row Drivers: Get up close with Rinus VeeKay, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power as they’re roasted and celebrated for their Indy 500 journey.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Explore the Dallara IndyCar Factory and see the engineering magic behind top-tier racing (additional ticket required).
- Simulator Races: Compete in the LRP Race on high-tech simulators for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights (additional ticket required).
- Live Music: Dance the night away with an 80s cover band playing all your favorite hits.
- Exclusive Merch: Pre-order a Last Row Party T-shirt for $30 (or $40 at the door) to commemorate the event.
The event runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM EDT, and with tickets priced at just $60 per person, it’s an affordable way to kick off your Indy 500 weekend. For super fans, VIP packages like the IPCF Winner’s Circle ($1,000) and IPCF 500 Club ($500) offer perks such as professional photos with the drivers, reserved tables, and more.
A Party with a Purpose
Beyond the fun, the Last Row Party supports a great cause. Hosted by the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, the event raises funds for journalism scholarships, awards, and fellowships for Indiana college students. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible, so you’re giving back while enjoying an epic night out.
How to Get Your Tickets
Don’t miss out on this iconic Indy 500 tradition! Tickets for the 2025 Last Row Party are available now on Eventbrite. Here’s how to secure your spot:
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
- Location: Dallara IndyCar Factory, 1201 North Main Street, Speedway, IN 46224
- Tickets: $60 per person (VIP options available)
- Purchase Link: Get Your Tickets Here
Why You Should Attend the Last Row Party
The Last Row Party isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of the underdogs, the Indy 500 spirit, and the motorsport community. Whether you’re cheering for Rinus VeeKay’s youthful energy, Josef Newgarden’s championship pedigree, or Will Power’s veteran grit, this event offers a unique way to connect with IndyCar’s biggest stars. Plus, with simulator races, live music, and a new venue at the Dallara IndyCar Factory, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Mark your calendar for May 22, 2025, and join the party that’s been a fan favorite for over five decades. Follow @LastRowParty on X for updates, and get ready to toast (and roast!) the last row drivers in style!