Takuma Sato holds off Helio Castroneves for Indy 500 win

INDIANAPOLIS — At the end of 500 miles around Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was a former Formula One driver who took the checkered flag.

Japan’s Takuma Sato became the first Asian winner of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday when he denied Helio Castroneves a record-tying fourth victory as the two traded the lead in the closing laps.

Alonso, who skipped his ride in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix to drive at Indy, put on a thrilling show and even led 27 laps — third most in the race — but his engine blew with 20 laps remaining.

“It’s a very nice surprise to come here with big names, big guys, the best in open-wheel racing and be competitive,” said Alonso, who drank from a carton of milk to close out his experience at Indy, and didn’t rule out a potential return.

Pole-sitter Scott Dixon, who turned the fastest qualifying effort in 21 years, was knocked out of the race a quarter of the way through in a terrifying crash with Jay Howard.

Dixon’s car sailed through the air and landed cockpit-first atop the inside safety fence, splitting in two amid sparks and flames — yet he was able to walk away.