Hunter-Reay and Andretti Autosport celebrates 2012 championship

Ryan Hunter-Reay and Andretti Autosport are the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Champions! The first American to take the title since 2006 notched four wins this year.

IndyCar Series 2012 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport Chevrolet celebrates with Michael Andretti and Andretti Autosport team members

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

After his main rival for the title crashed early in the race, Hunter-Reay was given updates by the team throughout the race as to where he needed to finish in order to take the title.

The magic number changed at one point when Team Penske repaired Power's damage car. The Australian was able to tour the oval for 25 laps; of course that depending on the other IndyCar drivers. When Alex Tagliani hit the wall when challenging for the lead, Hunter-Reay's magic number decreased.

Hunter-Reay ended fourth in the season finale at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. More importantly he is the champion!

"Man, this is a dream come true," he said.

The American took the crown with 468 points to Power's 465. Scott Dixon was third with 435 followed by Helio Castroneves (431), Simon Pagenaud (387), Ryan Briscoe (370), Dario Franchitti (363), James Hinchliffe (358), Tony Kanaan (351), and Graham Rahal (333).