Sam Hornish Jr. – 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner

Lore & Background

Sam Hornish Jr., a three-time IndyCar Series champion, entered the 2006 Indianapolis 500 as a formidable contender but not the outright favorite. Driving the No. 6 Dallara-Honda for Team Penske, he qualified 11th and spent much of the race in the top ten, biding his time. The final laps saw a classic duel with rookie Marco Andretti, who had taken the lead on a late restart. Hornish, known for his tenacity, chased Andretti down, setting up a breathtaking sprint to the finish line.

In Their Own Story

6 Dallara-Honda a blur of red and white. The two cars were side by side, inches apart, their tires screaming for grip as the checkered flag loomed. In victory lane, Hornish wept, his helmet off, tears streaming down a face that knew he had just etched his name into the sport's eternal lore.

Reader's Guide

The 2006 Indianapolis 500, held on May 28, 2006, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was the 90th running of the event. Sam Hornish Jr.'s victory was significant not only for its dramatic finish but also for marking the first Indy 500 win for Team Penske since 2003. Hornish, who had dominated the IndyCar Series with three championships, finally conquered the Brickyard, cementing his legacy as one of the era's greats. The race is remembered for Hornish's bold pass on the final straight, a move that required precision and nerve, and it remains a benchmark for excitement in open-wheel racing.

Did You Know?

• He is the only driver to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series championship in the same year (2006).
• Hornish later transitioned to NASCAR, winning races in the Cup Series before retiring.
• His 2006 win was the first for Team Penske at Indy since Gil de Ferran's victory in 2003.