IndyCar
Hildebrand made his IndyCar Series debut in 2010, competing in two races for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing as a substitute driver for the injured Mike Conway. On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, it was announced that Hildebrand signed a multi–year contract to drive the #4 National Guard entry for Panther Racing, starting in 2011 after impressing the team during a test.
Later in 2011, Hildebrand qualified for the Indianapolis 500, and was the most successful rookie during his premiere race. Hildebrand was able to lead at the halfway point for Panther Racing, and stayed on the lead lap for the entire race. This allowed him to take a gamble during his last pit stop, stretching out his fuel load to an eventual lead on the final lap. On the very last turn, he slid out of the racing lane and into the retaining wall while passing rapidly slowing Charlie Kimball, allowing Dan Wheldon to take the victory. Despite the damage to his car – including the loss of a wheel – Hildebrand retained enough speed to cross the finish line in second place.
On Sunday, 16 October 2011, Hildebrand was involved in a 15 car chain reaction crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Hildebrand sustained an injured sternum and was transported by ground ambulance to a Las Vegas area hospital, where he was admitted for treatment. The crash claimed the life of two-time Indy winner Dan Wheldon, and also sent Pippa Mann to hospital with a reported burn to her right pinkie finger.
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