The closest finishes in Indy 500 history, part 2

So, we've already had a couple of the closest finishes to date in the history of the Indianapolis 500, 1982 and 1992. Each race is special and unique on its own, but there's just something about these close ones. How much more exciting or nerve wracking can it get?

In part two of the closest finishes in Indy 500 history, I'll take a look at, 2006 and 2014.

2006

IMS in 2011.

This looked like a possible storybook ending for the Andretti family. Second-generation driver Michael Andretti led the field around the track behind the pace car with just a few laps to go. His son, rookie 19-year-old Marco, was close behind. The restart came with five laps remaining - five laps standing between Michael and that elusive Indy 500 victory.

The green dropped, and Marco quickly passed the couple of lapped cars in front of him to get close to his dad. Next thing you know, he easily passed the old man and put himself into the lead. A rookie leading the Indy 500 as the laps wound down.

It really looked like he had it won. But with Andretti luck, longtime race fans couldn't believe it until the checkered flag flew. Much like how family matriarch Mario Andretti seemed to feel watching from pit lane. Looking at him on the broadcast, you just got the sense that Mario was extremely nervous - because he knows how many times this race has broken his and Michael's hearts.

Mario even gave a "calm down" gesture to a woman standing near him who was giddy with excitement late in the race. In hindsight, it's a cool moment to watch again because you really feel for all the hard luck the Andrettis had at Indianapolis.

So, Marco's in the lead. Then here comes Sam Hornish Jr., driving for the ulmighty Roger Penske. Hornish Jr. was closing in fast on Marco. In the last couple laps, he tried to make a pass inside on Marco but didn't have enough room to make it stick. As happens with failed pass attempts, he lost some ground and it again looked like that was his chance to overtake Marco.

After the final time through turn four and then onto the main stretch, Hornish Jr. was right on top of Marco's rear wing. He came around the inside of Marco, who held his line and did not make an attempt to block, and passed him just before reaching the yard of bricks. It was a difference of 0.0635 seconds.

Victory for Hornish Jr. and Penske. Another heartbreaking defeat for the Andretti clan.

For any other rookie driver, it would have been much easier to relish in the amazing race he had, get excited about second place and the bright future. Since it was Marco however, there was that lingering feeling that it was as close as he'll ever get to victory lane, simply because of the history.

Some people don't believe in jinxes, curses etc. That shouldn't have anything to do with it, they say. That may certainly be true. It's still just mind boggling that with all the races and laps led from Andretti drivers, they still have one victory in the Indy 500. Compare that to the Unser family, with nine wins between them.

2014

Ryan Hunter-Reay at Indy in May 2014.

The second-closest finish in Indy history currently belongs to the 98th running of the great race.

Race officials had a hand in making this an exciting finish, too. The Indy 500 finished under the caution flag the past four years, and then a crash with less than 10 laps to go this time around threatened the finish once again.

This time though, they threw the red flag, stopping the race until the track was cleared of all the debris and clutter. Ryan Hunter-Reay and his teammate Marco Andretti were up at the front, with Helio Castroneves in between them. At stake for Hunter-Reay? His first Indy 500 win. For Castroneves? Looking to add his name to elite company as a four-time Indy 500 champion.

It was truly a race to the finish as the green flag fell once again. Hunter-Reay and Castroneves exchanged passes, and Hunter-Reay's winning pass that stuck was a daring one. His car was nearly on the infield grass when he snuck by Castroneves for the final time.

As they crossed the line, just 0.0600 seconds separated Hunter-Reay and Castroneves. Hunter-Reay could finally add his name to the long list of Indianapolis 500 champions. He started the race in the 19th spot and ended up in No. 1. That hadn't been done since 1954.

Related: The closest finishes in Indy 500 history, part 1