It was one of the most exciting and dramatic races in 99 editions of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, so it is fitting that Juan Pablo Montoya’s 2015 victory at the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” should be honored in the inaugural Autoweek Awards announced today by the popular car culture magazine.
Autoweek is recognizing individuals or organizations in seven categories that contributed to the advancement and continued relevance of car culture and motorsports last year. Montoya’s Indy 500 triumph, which saw him rally from 30th place to win by 0.1046 of a second in the fourth-closest finish in race history, captured the 2016 Autoweek Moment Award.
“When we look back on the year in racing, there are a few moments that kind of stick with us – moments that, as fans, we remember for a really long time,” said Rory Carroll, Autoweek’s content editor, in explaining the award. “We get our editors in a room and we go through every series and talk about those great moments that illustrate what being a race fan is all about. To win this award, you’ve got to create one of those moments.
“The Indy 500 has produced so many great races and great moments in races,” Carroll added. “Even recently when a lot of top-level racing has become less than compelling to watch, Indy seems to have found a recipe for great competition and this year’s ‘500’ is a great example of that. You had, obviously, the spectacle that always comes with that race, and a lot of action during the course of the race. But the way it ended, four lead changes in the final 13 laps, with (Scott) Dixon, (Will) Power and Montoya was arguably the best finish in any major race this year. Our staff certainly thought so.”
Montoya’s 2015 victory was his second Indy 500 career win. It also marked the 16th for team owner Roger Penske, more than any other.
“I am honored to receive the 2016 Autoweek Moment Award, but I really look at it as a team award,” Montoya said. “I wouldn’t have been in position to win the 2015 Indianapolis 500 without the hard work of everyone at Team Penske, specifically the guys on the No. 2 Verizon Chevy team. Anytime you win an Indy 500 for Roger Penske, it is a huge deal. Hopefully we can make it two in a row this year for the 100th running of the race.”
The historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will be May 29, the fifth of 16 races on the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule.
For a complete list of the 2016 Autoweek Award winners, go to http://autoweek.com/article/autoweek-awards/2016-autoweek-awards-and-winners-are.