As the Verizon IndyCar Series readies to turn its focus ahead to the remainder of the 2018 season – with on-track action starting in Detroit in just two days – it’s only right to take a last look back at “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
And what better way to close the books on the 102nd Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil than to remember the event and what it means through the words of the drivers themselves at Monday night’s Indianapolis 500 Victory Celebration.
IndyCar.com has assembled some of the highlight clips for your viewing pleasure, straight from the broadcast hosted by Dave Furst, the Indianapolis sportscaster and Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network reporter. We’ve broken it into three categories.
RECAPPING THEIR RACE
Danica Patrick’s farewell to racing ended much earlier in the day on Sunday than anticipated. Still, the barrier-breaking racer was glad for the experience.
Three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves also crashed out, and it caught him by surprise as much as the rest of us.
The same fate awaited 2013 Indy winner Tony Kanaan, who put on a memorable charge after a tire puncture put him at the back of the field. Kanaan said he was just following orders from the boss.
Marco Andretti soldiered home in 12th place with a car that went away as the race wore on. Was he joking when he thought he was passed by a familiar face?
Zach Veach made sure he got noticed in the race by getting all “fired up.” You’d think the experience aged him, but maybe not.
WHAT THE INDIANAPOLIS 500 MEANS
Ryan Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy 500 winner, said he thinks about Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the event all year long.
Patrick also issued a final thank you to the Hulman George family for keeping one of the world’s greatest sporting traditions running strong.
WILL POWER, INDIANAPOLIS 500 CHAMPION
Fellow drivers were still amazed at the wild celebration from Will Power after he won the race for the first time. Conor Daly was one.
Doug Boles, the speedway president, seconded the sentiment.
Graham Rahal has long held Power in high regard. Rahal said Sunday’s win cements Power among the greats.
James Davison recalled when he and Power – both Australian – attended the Indy 500 as spectators 12 years ago. How far they’ve come.
Finally, it was Power’s turn to talk. He admitted he wasn’t sure if he’d ever get the chance to do so as the Indianapolis 500 champion.
All the drivers thanked the fans for making the Indy 500 what it is. In his own “awkard” wit pointed out by several of his competitors during the celebration, Power put his own twist on the thank you.