We chatted with Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver of the No. 28 DHL Honda in the Verizon IndyCar Series, prior to his rollout as “pace car driver” at under 3 mph for the Tournament of Roses Parade in a new Acura NSX.
Still, it was a sincerely enjoyable experience for “RHR,” the 2014 Indianapolis 500 and 2012 series champion.
“I never thought I could drive so slow (2.5 mph) for so long! But the crowd was absolutely amazing for the entire 5.5 mile parade route,” Hunter-Reay said.
“Today really makes me want to jump back into my Honda-powered IndyCar and put my foot down and race. I am ready for some speed, for sure!
“I’d like to thank the Tournament of Roses and Acura for this very unique and special opportunity to start 2016! I can’t wait for May and speed after the fun and spectacle of a slow morning to start the year. Bring on the IndyCar season and the 100th Indy 500!
“Beccy, Ryden and Rocsen really enjoyed the floats and bands, it was really fun to hear them share with me what they saw, since I was up front and only saw all the spectators along the route. It was a fun and memorable experience.”
The pace car ride was a prelude to the eventual drubbing Stanford laid to Iowa, by a final score of 45-16.
Photos from the event are below, courtesy of Steve Shunck: