INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 28, 2017) – Alexander Rossi, last year's rookie Indianapolis 500 winner, put in a solid performance in the 101st running that took place on Sunday, May 28. With a race-winning car, Rossi ran up front most of the day and led 23 of the 200 laps. "The #98 NAPA Auto Parts Honda was great and we felt strong running up front today," said Rossi. "Unfortunately, we had one really bad pit stop on lap 139 that dropped us back to 21st. Then we had to climb our way back through the pack." "This one was disappointing! We had a race winning car and for the first 139 laps we were in position to win," said Rossi. "But as I showed last year, anything can happen. The 500 is a long race and today proved it doesn't take much to change the outcome around the speedway. I'm very happy for Takuma. He is a deserving winner and a great teammate." "A disappointing day for the 98 team," said Rob Edwards, Strategist for No. 98 and Chief Operating Officer for Andretti Autosport. "Alex drove well and we had a car capable of repeating last year's victory. We win together and we lose together and unfortunately a refueling problem dropped us off the point. Strong recovery by Alex to finish 7th." Rossi's team Andretti Autosport had an up and down day, but ultimately ended in victory with Takuma Sato. Four of their six cars were running in the top three, but misfortunes struck not only Rossi, but also Ryan Hunter-Reay, Fernando Alonso, and Marco Andretti. Their teammate Sato passed 3-time winner Helio Castroneves on lap 195, and became the first Japanese winner of the historic race. "Very happy for Takuma, the 26 crew and proud of everyone at Andretti that gave all the drivers such great cars all month," said Edwards. "On to Detroit where we'll look for victory in both races of the double-header there."
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Rossi Makes Special Visit to Riley Children's Hospital
Last year before the Indianapolis 500, Alexander Rossi met a little boy named Layden Mertens who was undergoing dialysis at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Layden gave Rossi some great advice and he won the race. So, he made a special visit to his 'good luck charm' a few days before the race. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
******** Rossi Launches New Energy Bar
Alexander Rossi has launched a new energy bar called the "Rossi Refuel Bar." An exercise and nutrition enthusiast, Rossi wanted to create a workout bar that was sweet and energizing, but also gluten-free and made with organic ingredients. Check out the chocolate brownie bar on the INDYCAR MERCH STORE.