Kanaan competed in the Indy Racing League in 2002 for Mo Nunn Racing in the No. 17 Hollywood Cigarettes-sponsored G-Force GF05-Chevrolet V8 in one-off race at the Indianapolis 500. Kanaan was the highest-starting rookie in the race with a fifth-place starting position. In the race, Kanaan led for 23 laps when on lap 90 both Jimmy Vasser and Bruno Junqueira had mechanical problems and slowed on the course. An oil leak was on the track and was not caught by Indy Racing League officials and Kanaan crashed, finishing 28th. Kanaan finished 50th in points with two points.