Racing through the years: 2014 Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – 2014 produced one of the most exciting and closest finishes in race history.

A Townsend Bell crash on lap 191 heavily damaged the SAFER barrier as well as part of the catch fence, which caused IndyCar to red flag the race for several minutes while repairs were made. This was done in order to allow the possibility of a green flag finish.

The race resumed with Ryan Hunter-Reay as the leader, ahead of Helio Castroneves and Marco Andretti. With five laps to go, Castroneves ducked inside of Hunter-Reay and took the lead going into turn one. Andretti also looked to pass Hunter-Reay on the backstretch, but Hunter-Reay was able to hang on to second place.

A lap later, there would be more drama on the backstretch as Hunter-Reay made an incredible move, diving way to the inside of Castroneves and making the pass for the lead.

Castroneves would not be deterred, however. As he and Hunter-Reay came to the start line with two laps remaining, Castroneves used a slingshot move to get past Hunter-Reay, retaking first place.

Castroneves led until the two made it back to the front stretch. Just as the white flag was waving, Hunter-Reay retook the lead and started one final lap around the track.

Castroneves stayed close and furiously tried one final pass as the two cars came to the finish, however Helio came up just short and Hunter-Reay held on to win in the second closest finish in race history.

The win was Hunter-Reay’s first at Indy and the first win by an American driver since Sam Hornish Jr. in 2006.

Castroneves barely missed out on becoming a rare four-time Indy 500 winner and appeared distraught as he sat on top of his car for several moments with his head in his hands.

Meanwhile, it was nothing but joy in victory lane as Hunter-Reay celebrated with his team, his wife Beccy and of course a traditional drink of milk.