Photo Credit: IndyCar
For the historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Carlos Munoz, driver of the No. 26 United Fiber and Data Honda finished second behind his Andretti Autosport teammate Alexander Rossi for the famed Borg Warner trophy.
The Bogota, Colombia native qualified in the fifth starting position for the race. During the first half of the race he had was running up towards the front, but for the second part of it would be shifted to the back and would have to battle back up through the field.
“I was sliding the last two stints,” he said. “I knew I had the car to win in the first half of the race. I just was holding my position. Last part of the race I was pushing really hard, overtaking everyone.
“One of the yellows didn’t help us. Went back to the field, got again back to the front of the field. It wasn’t our day, if I am honest. But this is racing. Is part of the racing, strategy and everything.”
The end of the race would come down to a fuel strategy race finish, with Munoz having to pit for a splash of gas while his teammate did not.
“I was really disappointed when it comes with fuel and you lose the race because of that,” he said. “I was really disappointed get second. Half a lap short. That’s what it took.
“I knew I didn’t have enough fuel. I don’t know how my teammate (Rossi) did it without stopping. If I’m honest, I want to know what he did. I will look. I am second, why he’s not stopping? He’s supposed to stop. I have to look and see what he did. I don’t know what he did”
In four Indy 500 starts, he has completed all 800 laps with two second places finished now – all coming with Andretti Autosport.
“I think Andretti did and give me, again, an awesome car,” he said. “But, man, it was a close one. I think me and Newgarden(Josef) had the win, we were so strong. But happy for the team, one and two Andretti, one and two Honda.
“I can’t say I’m really happy, I’m just really sad and disappointed. What can I say? The only thing I’m clear about that I will win this race one day.”
