Legendary NASCAR Cup Series team owner Rick Hendrick says he never thought that he would get the opportunity to have a car entering The Greatest Spectacle In Racing, the Indianapolis 500.
On Sunday, Hendrick will see his car and his driver Kyle Larson roll off from fifth place on the grid.
Kyle Larson in the No.17 HendrickCars Arrow McLaren Chevrolet will roll off from 5th place on the grid.
Speaking during a conference call on Tuesday, Mr Hendrick said:
Well, it couldn’t have gone any better. I got a call from Zak. Everybody knew that Kyle wanted to run the Indy 500, and so started talking to Zak, Jeff Gordon did and I did, and we put a deal together. I never thought I’d get to have an entry in the Indy 500 in my life.
I just really appreciate the effort that Zak and his crowd have put together. It’s been an amazing effort, and the teams have been flawless working together.
It’s been amazing to see a car be able to qualify in the top 5. Nervous as I’ve ever been watching qualifying. But Zak and his whole group have just done an amazing job, and we’re very fortunate to be partners with him and his team.