2013 Indianapolis 500 (Tony Kanaan's emotional win)
After 12 years of heartbreak, Kanaan finally conquers Indy—and the tears flow.
The 2013 Indianapolis 500 is remembered as one of the most emotionally charged editions of the legendary race, culminating in Tony Kanaan's long-awaited victory. After years of near misses and heartbreak—including a runner-up finish in 2012—the Brazilian driver finally conquered the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, delivering a win that resonated deeply with fans and competitors alike. This race is celebrated not only for Kanaan's triumph but also for its intense competition, late-race drama, and the outpouring of emotion that followed.
- Race
- 2013 Indianapolis 500
- Winner
- Tony Kanaan
- Team
- KV Racing Technology
- Car Number
- #11
- Engine
- Chevrolet
- First Win
- Yes (for Kanaan at Indianapolis)
- Laps Led
- 34 (by Kanaan)
Lore & Background
Tony Kanaan had long been a fan favorite at Indianapolis, known for his aggressive driving and infectious personality. He had led laps in previous 500s and come agonizingly close to victory, including a runner-up finish in 2012. The 2013 race was his 12th attempt, and many believed his window for a win was closing. When he finally took the checkered flag, the emotional release was palpable—Kanaan wept in victory lane, embraced by his team and family, as the crowd roared its approval. Even hardened rivals like Dario Franchitti and Ryan Hunter-Reay wiped away tears, acknowledging that this win was destiny finally fulfilled.
In Their Own Story
The final laps of the 2013 Indianapolis 500 were a masterclass in strategy and nerve. As the laps wound down, Kanaan held off a charging pack led by Ryan Hunter-Reay, who had surged from the back. With three laps to go, a caution for a spin by Dario Franchitti set up a dramatic restart. Kanaan, on older tires, held his line through Turns 1 and 2, then powered away. Crossing the finish line, he screamed into his radio, 'We did it! We did it!' The victory was a testament to perseverance and the unbreakable bond between a driver and his team.
Reader's Guide
The 2013 Indianapolis 500 was the 97th running of the event, held on May 26, 2013. The race featured 33 starters, with Marco Andretti on pole. Tony Kanaan started 12th but moved forward steadily, leading 34 laps. The defining moment came late: a crash by Dario Franchitti on lap 197 brought out a caution, setting up a two-lap shootout. The win was Kanaan's first in 12 starts at Indianapolis, making it one of the most emotional victories in the event's storied history. The race is remembered for its intense competition, strategic tire gambles, and the outpouring of joy from Kanaan and his fans.
Did You Know?
- Tony Kanaan's win was his first in 12 starts at the Indianapolis 500, a record for most attempts before a first victory at the time.
- Kanaan led 34 laps in the race, his highest total in any Indianapolis 500.
- The 2013 race marked the final Indianapolis 500 start for four-time winner Dario Franchitti, who crashed late in the event.
More in Iconic Races
Elsewhere in the IndyCar universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record