WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Back to the Brickyard: The 2006 Indy 500

Episode Date: September 26, 2024

A look at one of the most exciting race finishes of the 2000s.

Welcome to Back to the Brickyard, your spot for Indianapolis 500 History here at Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papillon. The 2006 Indy 500 featured a heated battle between drivers Dan Weldon, Michael Andretti, Marco Andretti, and Sam Hornish Jr. Weldon was in front for most of the race, leading from laps 39 through 107 and 148 laps total. On lap 150, Hornish pitted while contending for the lead and pulled out of the pits with the fuel nozzle still attached, he received a penalty and rejoined the field three-quarters of the lap behind the leaders. Weldon's chances of winning were ruined when he punctured a tire on lap 184, forcing him to pit earlier than he had planned. After the final caution period,

Michael Andretti was in the lead, with Marco running second, Scott Dixon third, and Hornish and fourth. On lap 198, Marco Andretti and Hornish both passed Michael Andretti. Hornish got a good run on Marco going into turn three on lap 199, but couldn't execute the pass and fell back. Coming to the white flag, Andretti led Hornish by about a second. Hornish charged on, closing the gap. Going down into the final straight, Hornish executed a slingshot pass just before the yard of bricks, beating Marco Andretti by 0.0635 seconds. At the time, it was the second closest finish in Indy 500 history, only surpassed by Alunser Jr.'s 0.042 second win over Scott Good year in 1992. In the years since, only Ryan Hunter-Race 0.06-second win over Helio Casternevis in 2014

was closer. You have been listening to Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papineau, and I'll catch you the next time we go back to the brickyard.