Tony Kanaan is the 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner, 2004 IndyCar champion and 1997 Indy Lights champion. He’s won races for decades and has had real staying power in this tough and sometimes brutal sport. Off track, Kanaan is known for his supreme fitness. He’s dedicated himself to that by competing in numerous triathlons, including the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, twice! This year he joined the Arrow McLaren Indy car team for one race – the Indy 500. He remains with the team as a driver consultant and team ambassador. We caught up with him just off the pit lane at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach where he gave us his thoughts on fitness, nutrition and balancing family life in this dynamic sport. Enjoy!
NOTE: After qualifying ninth quick out of the field of 33, Kanaan finished the “500” in 16th place just behind his lifelong friend and rival Helio Castroneves.
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2023 Larry Mason
Tony Kanaan is serious about his craft and it shows in the intense look on his face.
In this expanded view of the photo above, you can see that Kanaan is communicating with his Arrow McLaren crew member.
Always quick to break into a smile, Kanaan is relishing his new role in this team.
–Photo courtesy of Rob Nichols
Here’s the unmistakable smile of Tony Kanaan. You would probably be smiling too if you owned one of those really nice Indy 500 winner’s rings to wear on your finger!
Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)