TORONTO -- James Hinchcliffe was all of 18 months old the first time he attended the Indy car race in Toronto with his family, and hadn't missed one through the 2014 Honda Indy Toronto. This weekend, working through extenuating circumstances, the "Mayor of Hinchctown" kept the streak intact.
The Verizon IndyCar Series driver, 28, of Oakville, Ontario, is recovering from surgery May 18 for an upper left thigh injury suffered in a practice crash the same day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was released from the hospital eight days later and has been recovering at his Indianapolis home.
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Hinchcliffe received medical clearance midweek to travel and was the grand marshal for the Honda Indy Toronto.
"I couldn't miss this one," said Hinchcliffe, who watched Conor Daly in the No. 5 Arrow/Lucas Oil Honda navigate the 11-turn, 1.755-mile street circuit in practice, qualifications and the race.
He thanked fans for their support the past few weeks during pre-race ceremonies.
"I'd be lying if I said this wasn't one of the harder things I've had to do is come back to Toronto after the month that I've had and be given the opportunity to say thanks because the support I've felt from this city -- the greatest city in the world -- from everybody in Canada has been overwhelming," he said.
Greeting fans and signing autographs in front of the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports transporter in the paddock, Hinchcliffe said he's "happy to be back at the track." He received a round of applause and numerous well wishes as he departed via golf cart for the driver autograph session.
Walking has been part of his limited recuperation regimen the past few weeks, and his improving stamina has aligned with his outlook.
"Movement is very good. At the same time you don't want to overdo anything or aggravate anything. That has been a big challenge, trying to stay active, but at the same time giving the body the rest it needs to recover, making sure you don't push it too hard," he said.
Below, Hinchcliffe caught up with INDYCAR track safety manager Mike Yates, who oversees the Holmatro Safety Team that quickly responded at Indianapolis, for the first time since the incident.