via indycar.com
TORONTO, ON, June 13, 2015 - James Hinchcliffe was all of 18 months old the first time he attended an Indy car race with his family in Toronto, and hadn't missed one through the 2014 Honda Indy Toronto. This weekend, though there were extenuating circumstances, the "Mayor of Hinchctown" kept the streak intact.
The Verizon IndyCar Series driver, 28, of Oakville, Ontario, is recovering from surgery May 18 for an upper left thigh injury suffered in a practice crash the same day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was released from the hospital eight days later and has been recovering at his Indianapolis home.
Hinchcliffe received medical clearance midweek to travel and will be the grand marshal for the Honda Indy Toronto on June 14 (3 p.m. ET on NBCSN).
"I couldn't miss this one," said Hinchcliffe, who watched Conor Daly in the No. 5 Arrow/Lucas Oil Honda navigate the 11-turn, 1.755-mile street circuit during two practices and qualifications from the team's pit cart.
Greeting fans and signing autographs in front of the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports transporter in the paddock June 13, Hinchcliffe said he's "happy to be back at the track." He received a round of applause and numerous well wishes as he departed via golf cart for the driver autograph session.
Walking has been part of his limited recuperation regimen the past few weeks, and his improving stamina has aligned with his outlook.
"Movement is very good. At the same time you don't want to overdo anything or aggravate anything. That has been a big challenge, trying to stay active, but at the same time giving the body the rest it needs to recover, making sure you don't push it too hard," he said.
