One frequently advanced theory about IndyCar racing is that its popularity in the United States would increase if more American-born drivers were part of the series.
Tony Kanaan seemed to run the wheels off that notion at the Indianapolis 500.
The Brazilian driver was hands down the favorite of the fans in the grandstand Sunday for the race won by Scotland's Dario Franchitti.
Kanaan, 37, has won 14 IndyCar Series races, but he has not won the Indy 500, the circuit's most prestigious event.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway crowd was behind Kanaan when he charged to the front of Sunday's race and pulled for him during the closing laps.
Kanaan, who led seven laps, wound up finishing in third place, behind teammates Franchitti and Scott Dixon.
Kanaan (pictured) is ninth in driver points as the series heads this week to Detroit for a road-course race on Belle Isle.