Behind the dramatic picture end for the Indianapolis 500 race win, and even the three-wide combat to the road for third, was an easy-to-miss No. 76 Chevrolet.
That was a Juncos Hollinger Racing entry with driver by Rinus VeeKay, who delivered the group its best-ever displaying within the Indianapolis 500. It was additionally a career-best end for VeeKay as effectively, putting sixth after qualifying contained in the Quick 12.
The underdog group’s earlier greatest displaying within the Indy 500 was eighth, which got here with Conor Daly one 12 months in the past.
Talking with Motorsport.com, VeeKay mirrored on very up-and-down day, saying: “This was a curler coaster. I am positive not only for me. We had a little bit of an unlucky technique name to remain out on the primary yellow, when everyone however three or 4 vehicles pitted. Did not fall our means there. We sort of fell again to the again of the pack, cycled all the way in which to the again and raced our personal race from there on. Saved gas, sort of hung again, and took a spot right here and there. Then on the third cease, I believe each home windows sort of emerged. We have been on the identical technique as everyone else. After which on the finish we might pivot. I might saved sufficient gas and do one much less cease than most. So, a superb name and a nasty name in a single race.
“Our technique, I believe, that is the five hundred, you’ll be able to come again. And, yeah, to nonetheless be so robust on the ultimate restart was actually good. So, unimaginable effort by Juncos Hollinger Racing, everyone on the group, not simply my crew, but in addition Sting Ray’s, to present the drivers confidence all through the month. I have been very comfy all month. And, yeah, we maximized this race. So, I’d have been happier if I received, for positive. However I am very glad with our consequence and our preventing spirit.”
VeeKay believes the group has the tempo to compete, however they should have higher technique and a bit extra luck. At Indianapolis, he was working ninth when the race-altering warning for Collet flew. He reached as excessive as fifth within the chaotic restarts that adopted, earlier than securing sixth at Lap 200.
“We’ve tempo. We’d like technique to go away a little bit bit, and we’re there,” remarked VeeKay on JHR’s development. “And that is sort of been our entire story this season. We’ve been fast, however have not had the lock on technique. By now, I believe it was a little bit of a wash on technique. We had a little bit of dangerous luck at the beginning, good luck on the finish. And, yeah, we preserve preventing to the tip. This younger group has quite a bit to combat for.
“And I believe that is solely their begin. I believe they’ve a very shiny future forward of them.”
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