2013 Indianapolis 500 (Tony Kanaan's emotional win)
12 years of heartbreak end in a single lap — Kanaan finally wins Indy and can't stop sobbing.
Tony Kanaan took the 2013 Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ending a streak of near-misses that really stung — that runner-up finish in 2012 still stings now. For the Brazilian driver, it was the one he'd chased for years, and the moment he crossed the line you could feel the whole paddock exhale. Beyond the win itself, the race lived up to the hype: a late-race scramble, packs running wheel-to-wheel, and an aftermath where Kanaan and his crew literally couldn't stop crying. Fans still talk about this edition as one of the most raw, emotionally charged Indy 500s they've ever sat through.
- 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.
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