Canadian racer James Hinchcliffe is in a prime spot to win the Indy 500.
The Oakville Ont. native will start Sunday’s race in pole position.
READ MORE: Canada’s Hinchcliffe wins pole position on final run for Indy 500
It’s a particular triumph for him because last year, he never even made it to the starting line – Hinchcliffe crashed in a practice session a day after qualifying
During the crash, a piece of his car pierced his thigh, and he was rushed to hospital for life-saving surgery.
He told the Associated Press he barely remembers watching the 2015 race from a hospital bed.
“I remember the finish, that battle at the end, that was very fun to watch,” Hinchcliffe told the Associated Press of Juan Pablo Montoya’s win last year.
Hinchcliffe’s family members gathered at a local bar to watch the race and cheer him on.
Cousin Kevin Jolly was among the first to see him in hospital after last year’s crash.
“The first thing he said was ‘what happpened, what broke on the car and when can I get back in the car,'” Jolly said.
“Only a racecar driver would say when can I get back in the car.”
Jolly met Hinchcliffe last weekend and says he’s all revved up.
“He’s stronger than ever and he’s ready to put a full effort into winning this race.”
WATCH: Canadian IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe taken to hospital after 2015 wreck
His parents, who were on vacation during last year’s crash, weren’t taking any chances this year.
“Mom moved in on May 1st, she didn’t want to miss a lap, just in case I tried to kill myself again,” Hinchcliffe said.
Hinchcliffe edged out American Josef Newgarden in last week’s qualifiers to claim the top spot.
https://twitter.com/Hinchtown/status/734574539582099457/photo/1
“Obviously with everything that happened, it’s just great to be here in general,” he said after qualifying.
This year’s race in Indianapolis is historic: it’s the 100th running of the race. Hinchcliffe will be racing alongside Canadian Alex Tagliani of Montreal and 31 others.
“It’s just crazy to think about where we were a year ago, and now my first-ever pole comes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a year out from what happened last year, in the 100th running of the biggest race in history,” he said.
Defending race winner Montoya will start 17th after a bizarre sequence in which he ran over a trash bag during his qualifying attempt.
*with files from Will Campbell, The Canadian Press and the Associated Press.
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