(This is the latest in a series of stories tracing the roots of Verizon IndyCar Series drivers through their own words. We’ll look at where they grew up and what first sparked their interest in racing. Today’s subject: 2012 Verizon IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.)

Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay recently discussed his memories of growing up in Florida with IndyCar.com writer Phillip B. Wilson.

Wilson: What’s your earliest memory in childhood?

Hunter-Reay: It was South Florida.

Wilson: What were you into?

Hunter-Reay: I just remember playing with my cars as a little kid. Hot Wheels and stuff like that. I always remember being into cars, whatever it was, and being there with my dad riding in his cars. He always had some pretty neat automobiles.

Wilson: So you were an easy Christmas present?

Hunter-Reay: Yeah, absolutely. Not much thought there.

Wilson: How many Hot Wheels did you have?

Hunter-Reay: Oh, I don’t know. My son already has more than I ever had. He’s got a huge collection.

Wilson: What do you think it was about the cars that stirred you?

Hunter-Reay: Racing and motorsports has always just been that magic “it” for me. That’s why this sport has so many fans and why it’s always had that appeal. The automobile in racing in general is something that attracts us and inspires us in so many ways. I just loved everything about it. I always have and still do. And it’s the development side of it, too. You could always find yourself in a position where you can be hands on in what you do with racing and what you do with a car and apply it and get results. That reward in itself is something I think we all seek.

Wilson: Where in Florida?

Hunter-Reay: Fort Lauderdale.

Wilson: Party town. Spring break. You were always used to warm weather and beaches?

Hunter-Reay: Yeah, boating and fishing, but mostly go-karts.

Wilson: We’ve talked about that before, the water sports.

Hunter-Reay: Yeah, but when we focused more on racing, that’s all we did, from there on. From the time I was 12 on, I was pretty much dedicated to racing.

Wilson: Talk about the water sports.

Hunter-Reay: I still do it now. It’s still a big part of my life and part of what will be our kids’ lives, fishing absolutely, free diving.

Wilson: What’s the best piece of fishing advice you ever received?

Hunter-Reay: I don’t know, it’s been more about my friends, growing up fishing. We just kind of did it on our own and taught ourselves.

Wilson: Any story about the big one that got away?

Hunter-Reay: We’ve caught a lot of big fish over the years. Certainly, there’s big ones that got away. There always is. That’s why it’s called fishing and not catching. The big one that got away is always bigger than the one you landed on the boat.

Wilson: You enjoyed childhood?

Hunter-Reay: Absolutely, great childhood, I couldn’t ask for better. I had very selfless parents that gave a lot to their kid and I hope I can do half as much for mine.

Wilson: Your dad had nice wheels?

Hunter-Reay: My dad always was into motorsports. He took me to all my first Indy car races. That’s where the love began for it. He was just a gearhead and I was, too.

Wilson: How old were you?

Hunter-Reay: When I first went to an Indy car race? Probably 6 or 7.

Wilson: Where was it?

Hunter-Reay: Miami Grand Prix.

Wilson: Do you remember it?

Hunter-Reay: I do, vaguely. I remember I fell asleep at one point. You know, kids need a nap. But I loved every bit about it. It was sensory overload. As soon as I pressed my face up against the chain-link fence and I saw one of those cars go by, it was all over.

(Check out Hunter-Reay's IndyCar.com biography. Also read previous "Racing Roots" entries on Marco Andretti, Sebastien Bourdais, Scott Dixon, Ed Carpenter, Josef Newgarden, Spencer Pigot, Carlos Munoz, Ed Jones, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, Charlie Kimball, Alexander Rossi and Tony Kanaan.)