Ryan Hunter-Reay figured he might drive a pace car someday. He just didn’t think it would be this soon.
Hunter-Reay, the 2012 Verizon IndyCar Series champion and 2014 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner, will “pace the field” Jan. 1 in the 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda. The 35-year-old will lead the parade in a new Acura NSX, the sporty coupe from Honda’s upscale brand.
As a member of Honda’s driver contingent in the Verizon IndyCar Series, Hunter-Reay didn’t hesitate when asked to represent the brand at the iconic parade in Pasadena, Calif.
“Driving a pace car is usually done by retired guys,” Hunter-Reay said with a laugh. “I’m not there yet but it’s an honor to represent Honda at the Rose Parade. It’s such an American tradition.”
Of course, Hunter-Reay’s pace will be much slower than that of a pace car at the racetrack. He will lead the parade of floats, bands and entertainers at a tortoise-like speed of 2.5 miles per hour. It will take more than 2 hours to complete the 5.5-mile parade route. By comparison, he could cover the distance in his No. 28 DHL Andretti Autosport Honda in about a minute and a half.
Hunter-Reay hasn’t seen the new NSX, but is eager to try it out. He’s hoping to put it through some paces at a media ride-along event in the days leading up to the parade.
“I’ve had a great relationship with Honda and they have done so much for the series over the years,” Hunter-Reay said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase their product at an iconic event. Maybe Honda will let me keep it after the parade.”
It will be a Hunter-Reay family affair in Pasadena, too. Wife Beccy and sons Ryden and Rocsen will attend the parade to watch their dad drive the NSX.
“It will be a great experience for the whole family,” Hunter-Reay said. “We just spent a few days at Disney World so Ryden is pretty used to parades. He’s excited.”
Later on Jan. 1, Hunter-Reay will attend the 102nd Rose Bowl game featuring fifth-ranked Iowa and No. 6 Stanford. He has no qualms about which team he wants to win.
“I have to pick Iowa because of the success I’ve had at Iowa Speedway,” he said. “Winning there three times (2012, 2014 and 2015), Iowa has given a lot to me so I feel like I have to give something back to them. So that’s who I am picking.”
Graphic courtesy of Honda Racing