By Paul Kelly
indy500.com
Monday, September 11, 2006
The second-closest victory in Indianapolis 500 history helped Sam Hornish Jr. win the closest-ever race for the IndyCar Series title.
Hornish edged Marco Andretti by .0635 of a second with a thrilling pass on the final straightaway to win the 90th Indianapolis 500 on May 28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was the first of his series-high four victories this season, a total that proved pivotal Sept. 10 when he finished third behind winner Dan Wheldon in the PEAK Antifreeze Indy 300 presented by Mr. Clean at Chicagoland Speedway.
Wheldon and Hornish tied atop the series standings with 475 points, but Hornish earned an unprecedented third IndyCar Series title because he had more victories, four to Wheldon's two.
The victory in "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" was a springboard for Hornish and Marlboro Team Penske, which earned its first IndyCar Series title to accompany its record 14 Indianapolis 500 victories.
"That was the highlight of my career, but it also helped us get back into the hunt for the championship," Hornish said of winning at Indianapolis. "We just continued on from there. We had some problems along the way, but we kept our composure. Things worked out well."
Hornish became the second consecutive Indy 500 winner to claim the series title in the same season, as Wheldon achieved the feat in 2005. The last two drivers to "double" before Wheldon and Hornish also came in consecutive seasons, Al Unser Jr. in 1994 and Jacques Villeneuve in 1995.
The Indy 500-series title "double" has been achieved only seven times since 1980.
"One of the things that's been awesome so far this season was the fact of winning Indianapolis, that kind of put the capper on it," Hornish said. "And then to be able to come out and finish off the season by wining the championship, I don't think I could have asked for a better 2006."
The 91st Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, 2007.
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2007 Indianapolis 500 tickets: The 91st Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, 2007. Fans are encouraged to submit their ticket applications for the race to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as soon as possible. The most convenient, fastest method is online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
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