Finally!

Ahhhh....

That's the sound of me savoring a sweet, sweet victory.

When I wrote in a previous blog post about redemption stories to watch in this year's Indy 500, I neglected to mention one of the most compelling stories of all. This story is not really one of redemption though; it's more a story of perseverance and sheer determination. Have you ever wanted something so badly you would do anything to get it? That's the focus and fight I imagine Tony Kanaan drove with in this year's Indy 500. He showed us that perserverance, determination, and focus can and will ultimately pay off. After years of being so close to winning the big prize, he finally earned it, and I think you'd have a hard time finding someone who didn't like this win.

How badly did TK want this win? He charged from 12th to first within the first ten laps of the race. On the final restart, he passed Ryan Hunter-Reay and Carlos Munoz with a daring, aggressive move. He was heard on the radio telling his team he was going to go for it, it was "all or nothing." When Franchitti crashed with two laps to go, we all knew it was TK's day, finally.

A word about the end of this race. Count me as one of the fans who is NOT in favor of a gimmicky green-white-checkered finish. It's the Indianapolis 500, not the Indianapolis 502.5. If you're not in front at the end, then too bad. I know the end of the Indy Lights race was what we were hoping for. Well maybe Dario shouldn't have crashed then. I could possibly be in favor of a red flag with less than five laps to go so that the distance remains the same. IndyCar did this at Fontana last year, and though it was met with some resistance I think it was a good idea. I don't see this happening at Indy, though. We may be letting a sentimental win cloud our judgment a little bit, but the race ended the right way. Now, if Munoz had been in the lead when the final caution came out, preventing TK from grabbing that elusive win, I think it'd be a different story. And had the final two laps stayed green, I do think the race was Munoz's for the taking. That would not have been nearly as popular a win--except maybe in his native Colombia. The rookie was definitely impressive, and I'm sure he will be back.

After the race, I spent a lot of time thinking and reflecting, because I didn't have anyone to share my joy with. It's so hard to find other fans who "get it." That is, who get why IndyCar racing is so special, and why the Indy 500 in particular is truly the greatest spectacle not just in racing but in any sports or entertainment venue. I have not met anyone who shares my passion (hence why I started this blog), nor anyone who understands the high I feel after a race. There aren't many people out there who get it.

But all those fans at IMS on Sunday who stood and cheered when TK took the checkered flag--perhaps with a tear in their eye--got it. I wish I could've been among them, to witness a touching, historical moment and feel the energy of an electric crowd who loves the Indy 500 as I do. I know there were also many fans like me across the world who stood and cheered from their living rooms (probably also misty-eyed like me) and I think from somewhere up above Dan Wheldon was smiling too. It takes a special person, a special event, and a special venue to cause that kind of reaction. Indy found that winning combination in 2013.

Tomorrow I'll take more time to reflect on the other storylines from the race but this is TK's moment, his day. Long overdue and well deserved.