May 30, 2006
SMN Clients Sweep Podium at 90th Running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (May 30, 2006): Sports Management Network, Inc. ("SMN") clients Sam Hornish, Jr., Marco Andretti, and Michael Andretti finished first, second, and third respectively in the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race completing in effect an SMN sweep of the podium positions. In one of the most exciting races and thrilling finishes in the history of the famed motor race, Hornish passed 19-year old Marco coming out of the last turn on the final lap to take the victory by a mere 0.0635 seconds - marking the second closest finish in the 90-year old Memorial Day weekend classic.
In a day filled with multiple storylines and wonderful emotions, Michael Andretti, who came out of retirement to race along side his son Marco, who was competing in his first Indianapolis 500, led the race in its closing stages with Marco running a close second. Marco passed his father going into Turn 1 on lap 198 (of 200) to take the lead and it appeared as though the Andrettis would finish first and second. The traditionally massive crowd was on its feet, its roar almost drowning out the sounds of the race cars.
Hornish, who overcame a pit stop issue that resulted in a drive-through penalty, battled his way back to the front of the field passing Michael with only two laps remaining in the race. He then made an attempt to pass Marco going into Turn 3 on lap 199, but Marco was able to hold off Hornish's charge. Hornish, who lost momentum and fell back after the failed pass attempt, regrouped as the field took the white flag signifying the final lap of the race. Hornish was able to close the gap on Marco in Turns 3 and 4 and coming off Turn 4 drafted Marco down the front straightaway in front of the enthusiastic crowd and passed Marco on the inside just before the famous "Yard of Bricks". It was the first time in the Indianapolis 500 that a driver made a pass for the lead on the final lap of the race.
The win was the first for Hornish at the Indianapolis 500 and the fulfillment of a life-long dream. The two-time IndyCar Series champion gave team owner Roger Penske his Indianapolis 500 record-extending 14th win and 13th pole position.
For Marco Andretti, his first Indianapolis 500 race showed the world that the Andretti name will carry on in speed, style and success. The 19-year old was unanimously voted Rookie of the Year, an accomplishment his grandfather, the legendary Mario Andretti, earned in 1965 and his father garnered in 1984.
Michael Andretti, who last competed in an IndyCar race at the 2003 Indianapolis 500, put on a stirring drive as he chased victory with his son at Indianapolis. It was a remarkable performance by the champion driver and team owner.
"History will decide if the 90th running was one for the ages, but the fans certainly thought it was," Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George said. The 2006 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race truly lived up to the moniker "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing".
< Go Back
