Tony’s career behind the wheel of an INDYCAR may be behind him, but that doesn’t mean his impact on the sport and the community has stalled. On the contrary, he continues to use his platform and story of perseverance to inspire people in both the racing and Indianapolis communities. 

On Thursday, November 7, Tony’s work will be formally recognized by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana as a Hall of Fame Laureate. The Hall of Fame, established in 1989, honors outstanding men and women who embody success, high moral and ethical standards and community stewardship – all qualities which fit the description of Tony. 

This is a great honor for Tony, now serving as the Arrow McLaren Deputy Team Principal, so let’s hear from the man himself on the impact of this prestigious recognition: 

 

Tell us what it means to be admitted to the Junior Achievement Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame? 

This is the kind of recognition as a race car driver that you never think you’re going to get. This goes beyond what I’ve done on the racetrack. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to inspire the next generation and tell my story that anything is possible. You look at some of the other names that are nominated; these are people that are accomplished, successful and have made a difference in the community. I don’t know if I can fully describe what it means. It’s almost confirmation to myself that I’ve done something good. 

How would you describe your relationship with the city of Indianapolis? 

Even from the time I was growing up in Brazil, Indianapolis was a big deal in my life. I was eight years old watching the Indianapolis 500 with my dad, and when he passed away when I was 13, I promised him I would win this race. So, my relationship with this city really began over 30 years ago. My relationship evolved with all of my close calls not winning here, finally breaking through to win and ultimately meeting my wife of 17 years here inside the track. I’ve now lived in the city of Indianapolis longer than I ever lived in my home country of Brazil, and I’ve made this place my home. It’s such a big part of my story. The reason I kept racing after my dad passed was because of that promise I made him. The city of Indy, because of this race, is the reason I became who I am. 

What has your experience been like shifting from behind the wheel of a race car to now a leadership role with Arrow McLaren as Deputy Team Principal? 

It’s definitely a big transition, and it’s been quite an adjustment for me. When you’re a race car driver, you’re leading your team all the time. You’re taking care of your mechanics, engineers and team around you, and you’re also making the decisions inside the car in split seconds.  The shift has been a trial of patience because the dynamics are different outside the car. I didn’t think I would enjoy this as much as I would, but I love it. Racing is stressful, and this job has its own pressures, but it’s so fulfilling to work in a place that has this culture and is being built the right way. 

How would you describe the identity of Arrow McLaren? 

In the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the goals in this business are pretty clear: win the Indy 500 and win the championship. Any team competing in this series has the same goals. But we want to do it differently than anyone else. We want to be approachable and innovative. We want to change the perception that racing is a selfish sport, that you can’t have a life outside it. I lived that way during my career, and I’d like to prove that there’s another way.  

I think we have that here. We have fun. It’s a stressful job, and we have a big name attached to us – one of the biggest, most recognizable brands in sports. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with that. We want to balance it all with kindness and open-mindedness. We’re on a good path with the people we have and our approach to our people, fans and partners. It’s so genuine and I love it. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

I don’t regret anything that I’ve done, and I think I can back up most of my decisions, even in the toughest times. One piece of advice, though, would be to keep being Tony Kanaan. I’ve always done my best when I stayed true to myself and owned my strengths and weaknesses. I’ve made mistakes, but I always try to make up for them. It’s part of life, and I wouldn’t change anything. I’m very fulfilled with everything I have.