Ryan Hunter-Reay Brings Indy 500 Crown Home

26 May, 2014

Run on the U.S. Memorial Day holiday weekend in the country’s heartland, the Indianapolis 500 is an iconic American event but for the last two decades has rarely produced a homegrown winner.

But the American flag was being waved loud and proud on Sunday as Ryan Hunter-Reay ended the American drought at the Brickyard by outdueling Helio Castroneves over the final lap to become the first U.S. winner since Sam Hornish in 2006.

“I’m just so proud of this race, for more than one reason,” Hunter-Reay, who finished third here last year, told reporters. “I grew up as a fan of this sport first and foremost. My dad took me as a kid to some IndyCar races.

“This is the biggest one; this is the granddaddy of them all. This is where drivers were made and history is made.”

While the Indy 500 is an American sporting institution the race had taken on an international flair with just two U.S. drivers reaching Victory Lane since 1998 heading into Sunday.

During that span British and Brazilian drivers had claimed the Borg Warner Trophy five times along with a Swede, Colombian and New Zealander.

But there was no mistaking who was chugging from the traditional quart of cold milk that goes to the winner on Sunday as chants of “USA USA” rang across the sprawling 2.5 oval speedway.

Almost out of the sport, Hunter-Reay signed a one-race deal with Andretti in 2010 and finished second in the series opener in Sao Paulo.

Three races later, still on a race-to-race arrangement, Hunter-Reay was a winner in Long Beach and landed a permanent home with the powerhouse Andretti operation.

Hunter-Reay rewarded Andretti’s faith in him by winning the IndyCar series title in 2012 and an Indy 500 win on Sunday.

“I remember going back to 2010, having a shot at Andretti Autosports. It was a one-off deal,” recalled Hunter-Reay. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Reuters

Image Robert Laberge/Getty Image

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