Toronto Native Returns To Home Race As Indianapolis 500 Champion

Long Time Bryan Herta Autosport Partner and Toronto native David Bowen heads into this weekend's Honda Indy Toronto as an Indianapolis 500 champion.

"When we entered into this relationship with Bryan (Herta Autosport), I always wanted to win a race and celebrate with the team," said Bowen. "To have it be (the Indianapolis 500) in association with Andretti Autosport, it's just an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. Bryan and I have been at this for five years, and when Bryan came in and put the deal together with Andretti for us, it's jus a real honor to be a part of. And to win the 100th Running, to be that race, and have that be our first win together… It's an experience I'll never forget."

During the summer of 2011, David formed Bowen & Bowers Motorsports and entered into a partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport. In 2015, he launched Bowen Motorsports while continuing in partnership with two-time Indy 500 winning team owner Bryan Herta. Via a 2016 merger with Andretti Autosport, Bowen joined the team on the yard of bricks as the No. 98 machine piloted by Alexander Rossi claimed victory at the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race this May.

"I've been working with David for the last five years, it's been really rewarding," said Herta. "We have a good time off the track and have a lot of success together on track. It feels like we are still making progress and there's still a lot more we can accomplish. It's great to be here in his hometown, in Toronto, I know it's a source of pride for David to be able to bring the team here and show us his world. Hopefully we can have a great result for him here and put on a good show for the hometown fans."

Bowen returns home this weekend for the 85-lap Honda Indy Toronto seeking victory on home soil with the No. 98 Andretti-Herta team.

"Returning to the Honda Indy Toronto is special for me every year," continued Bowen. "Next to the Indy 500, racing in my hometown is quite an honor. I told a story at the team dinner this week about how I sold ice cream here 30 years ago at the very first race. To be back here now racing in my hometown with the winning team of the Indy 500 is pretty special."