A season filled with courage, perseverance and hard work. Ryan is a true champion deserving of the title, and an American at that! Awesome job to a Skip Barber Racing Alumni!!!
I was in the Florida Series back in the mid-90s when Ryan went through. I don't believe he won the series championship that year, but he did win quite a few races, and was definitely one of the very fastest in the field. What struck me most about him at the time was that he was relentlessly consistent --if for any reason he managed to pull out a one second lead (enough to be beyond drafting distance), the race was effectively over and done with. Like many young guns coming up through the race series, he was also quite mature for his age -- I recall he was quite easygoing and forgiving one time when I spun immediately in front of him in the opening laps of a memorial, ruining both of our races.
I am delighted to see that his talent and perseverence have finally paid off.
Years ago, I had the privilege of racing with Ryan Hunter-Reay in the Skippy formula car series. I actually shouldn't say "racing with" him, rather we were on the same track at on the same day during the same race, but I was nowhere near him. He was clearly a terrific talent then and I've followed his career since then with respect for both his driving skills and his persistence despite the ups and downs of professional motorsports. I'm thrilled that he has finally gained the success and recognition he deserves.
__________________ "If you feel like it's all under control, you're not going fast enough." -- Mario Andretti
I too, was bringing up the rear in some of those Eastern Series races, he clearly was in a different league.
I was in Baltimore two weeks ago and watched him drive an amazing race in changing conditions to take the win after a very unlucky qualifying session put him out of the top ten on the grid.
Listened to Michael and Ryan roll the dice to stay on slicks thru the rain and have it pay off big time.