Winning the Pole for the Indy 500 is like no other qualifying achievement in sports. Winning the pole position at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s two and a half mile symmetrical rectangle is a test of nerves. It takes a near perfect four laps with your foot flat on the accelerator to become the pole winner of the most prestigious event in sports.
The Oakville-Trafalgar Secondary School grad said his rookie status could be an advantage, as he isn’t going into the race with any pre-conceived expectations. He said his strategy would be to use the first 250 miles to “learn” and then put what he’s learned to use over the second 250 miles.
He added his No. 1 goal was just to “make it to the end. For the first one I think that’s a pretty good day if you can come home.” But he did mention top rookie would be nice.
Hinchcliffe — who is the self-proclaimed mayor of Hinchtown (his irreverent website) — said his offbeat personality has helped him stand out in the racing world.
