By Dave Lewandowski

Published: Jun 13, 2015

TORONTO — James Hinchcliffe was all of 18 months old the first time he attended an Indy car race in Toronto, and this weekend he’s kept the streak intact.

The Verizon IndyCar Series driver, 28, of Oakville, Ontario, is recovering from surgery May 18 for an upper left thigh injury suffered in a practice crash the same day for the Indianapolis 500. He was released from the hospital eight days later and has been recovering at his Indianapolis home.

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Hinchcliffe received medical clearance midweek to travel and will be the grand marshal for the Honda Indy Toronto on June 14 (3 p.m. ET on NBCSN).

Greeting fans and signing autographs in front of the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports transporter in the paddock June 13, Hinchcliffe said he’s “happy to be back at the track.” He received a round of applause and numerous well wishes as he departed via golf cart for the driver autograph session.

Below, Hinchcliffe caught up with INDYCAR track safety manager Mike Yates, who oversees the Holmatro Safety Team that quickly responded at Indianapolis, for the first time since the incident.

.@IndyCar: @Hinchtown with 1 of the guys who saved him, Mike Yates of @HolmatroRescue Safety Team. Pic @LATphotoUSA pic.twitter.com/BJYhX0N88q

— RACER (@RACERmag) June 13, 2015