Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and legendary INDYCAR SERIES team owner AJ Foyt was delighted with Santino Ferrucci’s performance in Sunday’s 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Starting the race from 4th on the grid he went one better in the chaotic race to finish on the podium in third place, giving Foyt his best result at the Brickyard for 25 years.
Speaking following the race, Foyt said:
“I thought the crew did a great job, Larry called a good race, the driver drove a real good race. “I felt like we did have a winning car but it’s one of those deals, the yellows didn’t help us but Santino drove a helluva race to run third. He did a great job. “
Ferrucci was challenging at the front of the race which, for the No.14 AJ Foyt Racing crew was the first time they had done that at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 20 years and speaking following the race, in the press conference, Ferrucci said:
I’m sure Homes For Our Troops (was happy); it’s a fantastic cause, we had so many vets here, and so many people that have served and currently are serving, in our pit box. We raised an extraordinary amount of money for everybody and we get to build so many houses just based off what we were able to accomplish this month. Definitely you get emotional, and plus I have a lot of friends and family here.
“When you finish third, knowing that you led into 1 with three or four to go, it’s tough. But at the end of the day, I’m really happy with the way that things played out. This place does pick you as a winner. It’s very true. But I just really wanted to win this race like everybody else.”
Benjamin Pedersen in the No.55 Sexton Properties Chevrolet was the highest placed rookie finisher in 21st place having qualified in 11th and is now a contender for the coveted Rookie of the Year honors and speaking following the race he said:
“It’s been a tremendous month. “My first 500, made it into the fast 12, fastest ever rookie here for a one-lap average, just a huge, huge month. We were fast, started 11th for the race. We were running a very good race, we were the last rookie to be out there fighting to the end. Unfortunately, on a restart, got hit from behind by a car that was a lap down and we were still on the lead lap. It was really unfortunate that something like that happened — it was out of my control. Just very fortunate to be able to do this, it was an amazing experience, and I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for Detroit next week and to come back here next year with what I know is a fast car. Crazy race but I wish it would have ended a little better.”