After 295 career races, 21 Indy 500's, 17 career wins, an IndyCar Championship in 2004, Indianapolis 500 victory in 2013 and countless memories over the years, Tony Kanaan takes his last ride this Sunday at the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. What a journey it has been.
Tony Kanaan has been the epitome of an IndyCar driver, both on and off the track. From his early days running with Andretti Green Racing in the 7-11 sponsored car to winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2013, to now one last time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, its been an amazing journey. There's no question that Kanaan has been the IndyCar series most popular driver for quite some time and for good reason. If you've gone through Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and stopped by the garage of Tony Kanaan, you will always find a clamor of fans trying to get a photo or autograph from him. True to his persona, Tony always has time to make the fans happy and leave them with a smile. That's just who T.K. has always been. When Tony won the Indianapolis 500 in 2013, everybody in the stands was so elated for him. Once he was in victory lane that day, Tony proclaimed his victory was for the fans. Not just Indianapolis but all around the IndyCar circuit over the last 22 years, Tony Kanaan has had the admiration of fans everywhere. He has a great chance on Sunday to provide them with one final memory.
Tony starts his last ever race on Sunday in ninth position after posting a qualifying speed average of 233.076 mph. Driving for Arrow McLaren, Tony has the team that can help him get to victory lane. Tony has proven he still has what it takes at the age of 48. Last year Kanaan finished the 500 in third place with Ganassi Racing. Al Unser currently holds the record for oldest driver to win the Indianapolis 500 at age 47 in 1987 but if there's anybody who is capable of taking over that record, its Tony Kanaan. He has always had strong races during his tenure at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Don't expect this Sunday to be any different. Kanaan has been very consistent this last week during practice and qualifications leading up to race day.
Kanaan over the years at Indianapolis is no stranger to success at this hallowed track. over 21 races at the Indianapolis 500 he has had 12 top ten finishes, led laps in 15 of those 500's and a total of 352 laps led for 14th most all time in the history of the race. He also holds the record for most consecutive Indy 500's led for seven straight years from 2002-2008 and also is tied for the most times led in a single race when he led the 2013 Indy 500 15 different times. Any time Kanaan takes the lead at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the crowd noise level goes up a few notches.
This Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it ends where it all began for Tony Kanaan. His first ever IndyCar race took place at the fabled grounds in 2002 and now in 2023 he takes his final ride. I think I speak on behalf of race fans everywhere when I say Tony Kanaan, thanks for the memories sir. It has truly been a pleasure to watch your career. You have been gracious in both victory and defeat, always providing the crowd with some great moments over the years and always showing your appreciation for us. Sunday will be an emotional day for not only yourself but all of us in the stands who have cheered you on the last 22 years. It is the end of an era. We will celebrate your legacy as you take your final laps of your career. Who knows, maybe on Sunday we all have one more celebration with you in victory lane with some milk. The crowd on Sunday will cheer loudly during driver introductions when Tony Kanaan's name is announced. However, what if this one final ride ends up in victory lane one last time? Imagine how loud the crowd will be then. Just maybe. Anything can happen at Indy as we all know. So for one last ride and one last time, Tony Kanaan, thanks for the memories.
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