Verizon IndyCar Series drivers James Hinchcliffe and Ryan Hunter-Reay found memorable ways to ring in the new year.
Hinchcliffe returned to his Canadian roots by attending festivities surrounding the NHL's Bridgestone Winter Classic, played this Jan. 1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Hunter-Reay, meanwhile, took on the honor of pacing the 127th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Each driver became fully immersed in activities surrounding the main event.
Hinchcliffe Laces Up Skates
The main event of the Winter Classic, played on the specially created outdoor rink at the home of the NFL's New England Patriots, featured the Boston Bruins taking on the Montreal Canadiens on New Year's Day. Hinchcliffe took in the game won by the Canadiens, 5-1, as well as other special events over a three-day period as a special guest of INDYCAR partners Firestone and Honda.
On New Year's Eve, "The Mayor of Hinchtown" was up close for the NHL alumni players game, where he was interviewed on the live broadcast by INDYCAR's Canadian broadcast partner Sportsnet. He also had the opportunity for a little one-on-one time with the Stanley Cup awarded annually to the NHL champion.
The rink remained intact Jan. 2 for a public skate. Hinchcliffe displayed his ice prowess by donning a pair of skates and taking to the ice with youngsters from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Hunter-Reay Gets Drive Of A Lifetime
Hunter-Reay's experience in Pasadena was just as exciting. Honda asked him to lead the Rose Parade of floats and bands in its new Acura NSX with his wife and sons watching from a grandstand along the route. While it was at a snail's pace -- 2.5 mph -- to what he is accustomed, Hunter-Reay filed it away in the memory books.
"I never thought I could drive so slow for so long!" Hunter-Reay said. "But the crowd was absolutely amazing for the entire 5.5-mile parade route. Today really makes me want to jump back into my Honda-powered Indy car and put my foot down and race. I am ready for some speed, for sure!
"I'd like to thank the Tournament of Roses and Acura for this very unique and special opportunity to start 2016," he added. "I can't wait for May and speed after the fun and spectacle of a slow morning to start the year. Bring on the INDYCAR season and the 100th Indy 500! Beccy, Ryden and Rocsen really enjoyed the floats and bands. It was really fun to hear them share with me what they saw, since I was up front and only saw all the spectators along the route. It was a fun and memorable experience."
Later in the day, the Hunter-Reays attended the 102nd Rose Bowl Game, which Stanford won 45-16 over Iowa.
All photos below courtesy of Honda Racing:
