J.R. Hildebrand - Gentleman, Scholar, Indy 500 IndyCar Driver, Household Name

      J.R. Hildebrand, IndyCar driver, Rookie, Math Nerd, Household Name, Gentleman, all of these things and more. Last weekend, IndyCar rookie J.R. Hildebrand led the 100th running of the Indy 500 with one turn to go before the checkers. Rapidly approaching lapped traffic Charlie Kimball, it happened; Hildebrand began to pass on the high side, got into the marbles, and crashed. To give you an idea of how far in front of the rest of the pack he was at that time, Hildebrand and his destroyed #4 National Guard, Panther Racing, Izod IndyCar scrapped down the wall for a 2nd place finish to Dan Wheldon who blew by him right before crossing the bricks.

     As a fan, it hurt to watch, but then, based upon Hildebrand’s post race actions, much (maybe most) of the anguish and disbelief quickly changed to respect, and amazement related not to the wreck, but to Hildebrand’s humility and class. Despite a multi-million dollar mistake, Hildebrand never whined, made excuses, acted inappropriately, or behaved as most expected. Instead, he spoke of team (his Panther Racing Team, sponsors, and all of the Service Members behind his #4 National Guard car). Wow!


     John R. Hildebrand, Jr. started racing at Infineon Raceway when has was 14 years old. He won the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Championship and raced part-time for Dreyer & Reinbold during the 2010 IndyCar season. He then signed a multi-year contract with Panther Racing starting with the 2011 IndyCar season. Currently Hildebrand sits 8th overall in points.


     So, where would this 23 year old rookie likely have been last weekend if he had not been racing in the Centennial Indy 500? It’s a good bet this National Merit Scholar would have been preparing for today’s (June 3, 2011) MIT Commencement ceremony. Instead of crossing that stage (he was offered a full academic scholarship to MIT in 2006) he is preparing for his next IndyCar podium visit.


You can learn more about J.R. Hildebrand at http://www.jrhildebrandracing.com/


You can learn more about Izod IndyCar at http://www.IndyCar.com/


You can see more photographs of J.R. Hildebrand and other IndyCar drivers at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/