IndyCar Series
Photos and story © 2006 Dwight Drum
Web work by Gary Larsen

Indy 500 champion: Sam Hornish Jr.

Sam Hornish Jr.
Driver, Marlboro Indy Car
Team Penske

"We think we have the best of both worlds."

It's hard to imagine an open-wheel driver waiting for anything. After all they routinely whip around racetracks at 200 plus mph. But Sam Hornish Jr. has been waiting a long time for a victory at the Indy 500 and his wait has been rewarded with a cherished 2006 win. The reality is that most contenders in the Indy 500 over 95 years have never achieved that big win makes the victory as sweet as gulps of cool milk and…way beyond.

Earlier this season when Zoomster.com caught up to Hornish Jr. he was about to fire up a mini-bike in the Homestead-Miami garage and get on his way. He graciously paused to answer our questions.

We bring you his thoughts and images as well a few images of the Andretti family of Mario, Michael and Marco. Team Andretti got so close to the win line before Hornish Jr. drove under and around Marco to capture the checker flag. Dad Michael wasn't far behind the duel between Hornish Jr and rookie Marco. Granddad Mario's racing mood was elevated and deflated with the exciting finish. Marco didn't get the win, but Marco did achieve a close second.

That's racing. We believe the IndyCar Series will see a lot more from Hornish Jr. and third generation Marco. We share crisp images with you now that may well be treasure in the racing future.

Time: Spring 2006
Place: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Fla.
Event: Toyota 300

Do you think you have special abilities, better eye-hand coordination than the average person?

"I don't know. I play a lot of video games so that's a little of practice for me. I think it's pretty good."

"I think you have to have a certain amount, but I think the more you race, the more you do, the better you can get at it. If you start at a 10 you might be able to get to a 50, but if you start at a 5, you can't get to a 50. That's the tough thing. "

"NASCAR, they do some of the same things we do, we just do it faster. Drag racers go faster, but they don't turn, so we think we have the best of both worlds."