MAVTV 500 2012 Results: Reaction, Leaders and Post-Race Analysis

Ryan Hunter-Reay took the checkered flag in the MAVTV 500 to win his first career IndyCar title, overtaking points leader Will Power in the season finale.

Everyone who watched this race walked away satisfied. It was a riveting contest from start to finish, and Hunter-Reay's surprising overall title only made it more intriguing.

Power looked unstoppable coming into Saturday's race, but he lost control of his car early in the race. He did manage to return, but the gap was too large to overcome.

Let's recap the race with some Twitter reaction and post-race analysis.

Results

*For full results, click here

POS	DRIVER	CAR	MANUFACTURER
1	Ed Carpenter	20	Chevrolet
2	Dario Franchitti	10	Honda
3	Scott Dixon	9	Honda
4	Ryan Hunter-Reay	28	Chevrolet
5	Helio Castroneves	3	Chevrolet
6	Graham Rahal	38	Honda
7	Takuma Sato	15	Honda
8	Marco Andretti	26	Chevrolet
9	Katherine Legge	6	Chevrolet
10	Charlie Kimball	83	Honda

Twitter Reaction

The Associated Press provided an interesting tidbit about the historical significance of Hunter-Reay's win:

"

MT @ap_sports: Hunter-Reay becomes 1st American to win @indycar title since 2006, @jennafryer reports: apne.ws/SpTIT3 #IndyCar

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 16, 2012"

For the record, Sam Hornish Jr. won the IndyCar title in 2006.

Takuma Sato finished seventh, but he could have won the race. 1260 WNDE host Jake Query gave some insight on Sato's unfortunate finish:

"

Takuma Sato crashed in turn one of the final lap of both #IndyCar 500 mile races

— Jake Query (@jakequery) September 16, 2012"

Sato also crashed in the Indy 500, allowing Dario Franchitti to take the checkered flag.

ESPN broadcaster Gary Gerould spoke to two of this race's overlooked aspects:

"

And kudos to Ed Carpenter for Fontana win.So much drama for Bob Jenkins final broadcast. Truly memorable!!

— Gary Gerould (@ggerould) September 16, 2012"

Saturday's race was Jenkins' final call after 30-plus years of broadcasting, and Carpenter's victory seems to get overlooked because of Hunter-Reay's IndyCar title.

Lastly, how about Will Power? Power entered the race as the points leader, but a crash dashed his championship hopes. Lotus GP racer Conor Daly had some kind words for Team Penske's handling of Power's car following the crash:

"

What an incredible effort from @penskeracing to get @12willpower 's car back out on track! That is truly impressive. #winandloseasateam

— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) September 16, 2012"

All in all, it was an excellent race. No one likes to see anyone crash, but they thickened the tension in the race's final laps. Carpenter traversed the field perfectly to earn his first win of the season, but Hunter-Reay's victory was the story of the hour.

Power entered the day as the favorite to win the race, but he fell victim to an unfortunate crash after 55 laps. Despite his disappointment, Power handled himself with class and dignity following the race.

It was an excellent season. Hunter-Reay erased a 17-point deficit to win his first career IndyCar title, adding to the final race's excellence.

Next year's IndyCar title chase should be just as good with this competitive field returning to do battle once again.