But three years after a devastating wreck almost cost him his career—and his life—Junqueira is relieved to be back driving at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On Saturday, he will attempt to qualify for his fifth Indy 500.
“It feels good,” the 31-year-old Brazilian said last week after taking his first practice laps at IMS since the accident. “I’m happy for the opportunity to come back here and drive again. I thank God that he gave me the strength to get back in the car, and I hope I can do well.”
Junqueira, who started on the pole in 2002 and registered a pair of top-five finishes, appeared to be on his way toward another strong effort.
Now that he knows how quickly everything can be snatched away, Junqueira said he has relaxed. He no longer gets too upset over a bad finish, and he has learned that being the best isn’t as important as just being on the track.
“To stay a year away, you start to think there are other things in life,” Junqueira said. “Racing, for sure, is the most important thing. It’s my job. But I shouldn’t get upset when things don’t turn out the way I want.
“I should pressure myself to be the best all the time, but sometimes you cannot always be the best.”
