Hunter-Reay carrying the American flag in IndyCar

By Jenna Fryer

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, July 12 2012 4:25 p.m. MDT

FILE - In this June 16, 2012, file photo, Ryan Hunter-Reay holds up an American flag after winning the IndyCar auto race at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wis. When Hunter-Reay picked up his third consecutive win last week, it pushed him into the lead of the IndyCar points standings _ making him the first American since Sam Hornish Jr. In 2006 to hold down the top spot.,

Jeffrey Phelps, File, Associated Press

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Summary

an Hunter-Reay picked up his third consecutive win last week, it pushed him into the lead of the IndyCar points standings for the first time in his career.

When Ryan Hunter-Reay picked up his third consecutive win last week, it pushed him into the lead of the IndyCar points standings for the first time in his career.

It also marked the first time an American has led the points since Sam Hornish Jr. in 2006, and many believe drivers draped in red, white and blue is what IndyCar needs to flourish.

The series boasts seven full-time American drivers this season, and that's the most since 2007.

Hunter-Reay is the veteran, and he's led a 1-2 American finish in the last two races. He led teammate Marco Andretti across the finish line at Iowa, and beat Charlie Kimball Sunday in Toronto.

Americans had not finished 1-2 in the series since the 2006 Indy 500 when Hornish defeated Andretti.

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