Kanaan Finally Wins The Indy 500

Tony Kanaan has finally won the Indianapolis 500.

Tony Kanaan of Brazil, driver of the Hydroxycut KV Racing Technology-SH Racing Chevrolet, pours the victory milk over his head as he celebrates in victory circle after winning theIndianapolis 500

Kanaan drove past Ryan Hunter-Reay on a restart with three laps to go, then coasted across the finish line under yellow when defending race winner Dario Franchitti crashed far back in the field.

It was a hugely popular victory at the speedway, where Kanaan had endured so much heartache. Coming into the race, the Brazilian had led more laps than any other non-winner besides Michael Andretti and Rex Mays. He finished second in 2004 and twice finished third.

Now, Kanaan is an Indy 500 champion, coming through on a cool day of thrilling competition that smashed the record for most lead changes and most leaders.This year's chill was a stark contrast to last year's high of 91 — one degree shy of the race-day record of 92 set in 1937.