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IndyCar
IN THE COCKPIT: Ryan Hunter-Reay, Baltimore IndyCar
The win at the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT is probably the toughest race and the toughest victory of my life.
The win at the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT is probably the toughest race and the toughest victory of my life. I’ve been racing since I was 12 years old – I’m 31 now – but even before that I dreamed of racing for an IndyCar title. To go into the race at Fontana (the season finale at Auto Club Speedway, Sept. 15) with a chance to win the championship is what I’ve worked for all of my life. A 500-mile race should be awesome for the fans to see the championship go right down to the last lap of the season.
The DHL/Sun Drop team had one goal at Baltimore: win the race. That was the sole focus and the only thing we could do to keep the championship alive. We were victims of our own strategy in qualifying, when we chose to wait until the last possible moment to begin our qualifying run. When Graham (Rahal) crashed, it ended the session and we weren’t able to move on to the next round of qualifying. But, after a few grid penalties ahead of us, we were able to start tenth, and we were quickest in the morning warm-up, so I was optimistic that we had a car fast enough to win if we could get to the front.
We gained a couple of spots early in the race, and then our big break came when it started to rain before lap 20. When a lot of the other leaders pitted for rain tires, my strategist and team owner Michael Andretti said “we’re staying out. This is our chance to beat (Will) Power.”
You never like being out there on slicks when it’s wet – especially on a street circuit. Then, as the leader, it was even more treacherous because I was the guinea pig: the first guy into each corner, and I had no idea how slick it would be at any moment. The guys behind me can judge their braking points based on how I’m getting through each corner, but I was on my own. So, I had to be quick enough to stay ahead, but one bad move meant the end of our championship. I was either going to win, or end up in the wall.
Under yellow, Michael said “we’re gonna do it. Coming in fourth or fifth isn’t going to do anything for us.” So, he told me to keep it on track and the rain will pass. As it dried off, I had a big smile on my face because I knew we had nailed the right strategy.
Some people keep asking about the late restart when I took the lead for good, but I was going to school on the flagman each time we restarted. He had been waving the green pretty early each time, so on that restart, I was focused only on the starter. The rules say once it’s green, you can race, and that’s what I did.
I haven’t been nervous at all the past few races; I’ve been enjoying it. I’m driving 110-percent and really getting along with the car, like I’m in rhythm with the car, so hopefully we’ll have that at Fontana too. We’re keeping it light and fun.
Now, we have one race to go to decide who wins the championship. My team has been giving me a great car each time, and we have a few test days at Fontana to perfect the No. 28 before raceday. Michael deserves another championship and this team does as well. I’ve felt that way since I joined Andretti Autosport in 2010.
The tough times I’ve had in my career makes me appreciate the good times even more. I’m certainly very thankful for all of the opportunities I’ve had in my life and in racing. I’ve been able to drive a lot of different racecars, and I think all things happen for a reason. If you keep working for something, if you believe in it – it can come good. That’s how I’ve gone about it. From the end of 2005 through the middle of 2007, when I didn’t have a ride, were the longest days of my life. I kept working hard and had faith that it would work out. That makes me really appreciate these moments.
I have a beautiful IndyCar sitting there, waiting for me, and it’s my job to drive it. I mean, how cool is that? It’s awesome. Awesome. I couldn’t think of anything better.
~Ryan
Ryan Hunter-Reay drives the No. 28 DHL-SunDrop Dallara DW12-Chevrolet for Andretti Autosport in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Follow Hunter-Reay's progress at his new site www.RyanRacing.com, his team at www.AndrettiAutosport.com and on Twitter @RyanHunterReay and @FollowAndretti.
The DHL/Sun Drop team had one goal at Baltimore: win the race. That was the sole focus and the only thing we could do to keep the championship alive. We were victims of our own strategy in qualifying, when we chose to wait until the last possible moment to begin our qualifying run. When Graham (Rahal) crashed, it ended the session and we weren’t able to move on to the next round of qualifying. But, after a few grid penalties ahead of us, we were able to start tenth, and we were quickest in the morning warm-up, so I was optimistic that we had a car fast enough to win if we could get to the front.
We gained a couple of spots early in the race, and then our big break came when it started to rain before lap 20. When a lot of the other leaders pitted for rain tires, my strategist and team owner Michael Andretti said “we’re staying out. This is our chance to beat (Will) Power.”
You never like being out there on slicks when it’s wet – especially on a street circuit. Then, as the leader, it was even more treacherous because I was the guinea pig: the first guy into each corner, and I had no idea how slick it would be at any moment. The guys behind me can judge their braking points based on how I’m getting through each corner, but I was on my own. So, I had to be quick enough to stay ahead, but one bad move meant the end of our championship. I was either going to win, or end up in the wall.
Under yellow, Michael said “we’re gonna do it. Coming in fourth or fifth isn’t going to do anything for us.” So, he told me to keep it on track and the rain will pass. As it dried off, I had a big smile on my face because I knew we had nailed the right strategy.
Some people keep asking about the late restart when I took the lead for good, but I was going to school on the flagman each time we restarted. He had been waving the green pretty early each time, so on that restart, I was focused only on the starter. The rules say once it’s green, you can race, and that’s what I did.
I haven’t been nervous at all the past few races; I’ve been enjoying it. I’m driving 110-percent and really getting along with the car, like I’m in rhythm with the car, so hopefully we’ll have that at Fontana too. We’re keeping it light and fun.
Now, we have one race to go to decide who wins the championship. My team has been giving me a great car each time, and we have a few test days at Fontana to perfect the No. 28 before raceday. Michael deserves another championship and this team does as well. I’ve felt that way since I joined Andretti Autosport in 2010.
The tough times I’ve had in my career makes me appreciate the good times even more. I’m certainly very thankful for all of the opportunities I’ve had in my life and in racing. I’ve been able to drive a lot of different racecars, and I think all things happen for a reason. If you keep working for something, if you believe in it – it can come good. That’s how I’ve gone about it. From the end of 2005 through the middle of 2007, when I didn’t have a ride, were the longest days of my life. I kept working hard and had faith that it would work out. That makes me really appreciate these moments.
I have a beautiful IndyCar sitting there, waiting for me, and it’s my job to drive it. I mean, how cool is that? It’s awesome. Awesome. I couldn’t think of anything better.
~Ryan
Ryan Hunter-Reay drives the No. 28 DHL-SunDrop Dallara DW12-Chevrolet for Andretti Autosport in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Follow Hunter-Reay's progress at his new site www.RyanRacing.com, his team at www.AndrettiAutosport.com and on Twitter @RyanHunterReay and @FollowAndretti.
INDYCAR BRAZIL
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