Racing through the years: 2006 Indianapolis 500
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – It was all about the legendary names in the 2006 Indianapolis 500, and they delivered a finish for the ages.
Michael Andretti came out of retirement for one final shot at winning the Greatest Spectacle in Racing while competing against his 19-year-old son Marco, who was making his Indy debut. In addition, the legendary 1969 race winner, Mario Andretti watched his son and grandson from the pits.
Late in the race, leader Tony Kanaan and second place Dario Franchitti pitted under caution. Michael Andretti took over the race lead. He took the green flag with four laps to go to the delight of the crowd.
As they passed the line with three laps to go, Marco passed his dad going into turn one for the lead. Michael then tried to protect Marco from Team Penske driver Sam Hornish Jr. who was in third place. Hornish, however, was able to get by Michael to take over second place and set up a last lap shootout and a breathtaking finish.
Marco led Hornish as the drivers took the white flag. Through the first two turns and down the backstretch, it looked as if Marco might be able to hang on.
Marco led going into turn three, but Hornish was charging hard. Coming out of turn four and down the front stretch, Hornish made one final move to the inside to slingshot past Andretti for one of the closest finishes in race history. It was also the first time in race history that a pass was made for the win on the final lap.
Afterward, Marco said he thought he was going to win, and his disappointment was apparent.
“I thought if I just blocked him, defended my line once, that I had it,” Marco Andretti said. “But you know, the distance he was back, I think any other car I would have won the race. I don’t know where that came from. But you know, it’s a bummer. I’ve got to take advantage of every shot out here. I really do because second’s nothing.”
In victory lane, the emotions of winning the Greatest Spectacle in Racing caught up with Hornish.
“It’s a great feeling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else,” Hornish said. ” I’ve had a lot of friends and family pass away over the past couple years and I think they were all rooting me on today.”