MotorSportsTalk continues its review through the field of Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, driver-by-driver, with a look next at the part-timers. Finishing 23rd in the points after only racing a handful of events prior to his accident in practice for the Indianapolis 500 was James Hinchcliffe. Just today, he’s penned a good piece on The Players’ Tribune - linked here.
James Hinchcliffe, No. 5 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda
- 2014: 12th Place, Best Finish 3rd, Best Start 2nd, 1 Podium, 4 Top-5, 8 Top-10, 75 Laps Led, 8.2 Avg. Start, 12.3 Avg. Finish
- 2015: 23rd Place (5 Starts), 1 Win, Best Start 10th, 1 Podium, 1 Top-5, 2 Top-10, 20 Laps Led, 13.6 Avg. Start, 9.6 Avg. Finish
The script took a detour for the “Mayor of Hinchtown” in 2015, who was the most active IndyCar driver in the offseason with his signing to Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, then scoring a popular – if fortuitous – victory at NOLA Motorsports Park.
Yet his accident in practice for the Indianapolis 500 was as shocking as it was serious, and nearly in the blink of an eye, Hinchcliffe almost lost his life. The incredible, fast work of the Holmatro Safety Team saved the Canadian’s life.
Within a week, miraculously, he’d been released from the hospital and within a month, he was back in Toronto, Milwaukee and Iowa either giving the command or doing driver intros.
“Hinch” is on the mend and his first test back, in September, is already one of the best offseason stories.