Many times Tony Kanaan has come painstakingly close to winning the Indianapolis 500, but in each instance something would happen that would keep the Brazilian out of Victory Lane.
Tony Kanaan wins the 2013 Indianapolis 500
On his 12th attempt, Tony Kanaan can claim a victory in the Indy 500.
But in a history-making race that featured a record number leaders and lead changes, it was Tony Kanaan who prevailed and won the 2013 Indianapolis 500.
Running second as the field circled under the yellow flag with five laps remaining, Kanaan radioed his crew to lay out his strategy telling them it was “going to be all or nothing.” And when the green flag waved he wasted little time with a bold move heading into Turn 1 to wrestle the lead away from defending IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Unlike past years when luck would work against him, this year Lady Luck shined down on Kanaan as he was in the lead when a caution for Dario Franchitti’s wreck ensured that the race would end under the yellow flag.
Watch as Kanaan wins the Indy 500:
“I finally get to put my ugly face on that trophy” said an emotional Kanaan in the winner’s circle. “... That final lap was the longest of my life.”
Over a third of the field led at least a single lap with 68 total lead changes smashing the previous record of 34 set in last year’s event.
Making his first IndyCar start Rookie Carlos Munoz finished second with Hunter-Reay in third.
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