Indy 500: Tony Kanaan hints news on IndyCar future coming soon

Tony Kanaan confirmed he isn’t leaving IndyCar after his final Indy 500 start, though the capacity in which he remains involved is up in the air.

IndyCar and Indy 500 champion Tony Kanaan is set to make his 22nd and final Indy 500 start in next Sunday afternoon’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, driving the No. 66 Chevrolet for an Arrow McLaren organization that boasts four of last year’s top five finishers.

Pato O’Ward, who at one point had 26 of his 27 rivals at least one lap down at Texas Motor Speedway back in April, finished in second place last year behind the wheel of the No. 5 Chevrolet. Teammate Felix Rosenqvist finished in fourth behind the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet.

Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Kanaan finished in third place, and Alexander Rossi, who now drives the No. 7 Chevrolet with Rosenqvist moving to the No. 6 Chevrolet, finished in fifth, driving for Andretti Autosport.

This year’s running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” marks the 10-year anniversary of one of the most popular wins in the history of the iconic speedway.

The 2004 IndyCar champion won the 97th running of the Indy 500 after taking the lead with just under two laps to go.

While he has no plans to compete in IndyCar beyond the 107th running of the 200-lap race around the four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) Speedway, Indiana oval, he plans to remain actively involved in the sport moving forward.

“I’m fully committed,” Kanaan told Beyond the Flag regarding his involvement in the sport following his final Indy 500 start.

“We have some [stuff in the] works. We’re deciding what to do, but I have full intention to be around for many years to come. I think there are plenty of possibilities and roles that I can help the team in many ways, so hopefully you’ll hear some news soon.”

Kanaan isn’t yet sure what that role will entail. He is sure, however, of one thing it won’t entail.

“But yeah, I’m not going to the beach on Monday, having a margarita, and never showing up again. That’s definitely not happening!”

NBC is set to broadcast the Indy 500 live from Indianapolis Motor Speedway beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 28. Take advantage of FuboTV’s free trial offer and don’t miss it!