By DAN GELSTON

AP Sports Writer

LONG POND, Pa. — James Hinchcliffe just tried to act like a friendly tourist during a visit to Philadelphia . When he saw four people on a city sidewalk trying to squeeze into a selfie frame in front of Independence Hall, Hinchcliffe volunteered to snap the photo for them.

Turned out, just blocks from Ben Franklin’s grave, Betsy Ross’ house and the Liberty Bell, the top attraction was the guy holding the iPhone.

“Hey, wait a minute, aren’t you …”

Yes, one of the women in the group instantly recognized the former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant.

“The first thing this lady said to me was, ‘We were so mad you didn’t win!’ It’s just so funny how invested they get in the show,” he said.

Hinchcliffe and his professional partner Sharna Burges were runner-ups last November in the popular dance competition television series. “Hinch” has noticed an uptick in getting recognized since he freestyled his way into the national spotlight. His dancing shoes came with some perks — they put him one-step closer to living like an A-lister ; well, maybe at least an easier time scoring a reservation at the latest hot spot.

“If you want to go somewhere, they return your phone call. That’s the big difference,” he said, laughing. “It’s not just, ‘Who?'”

The 30-year-old Hinchcliffe, out of Ontario, Canada, was already a popular presence around the IndyCar paddock.

He’s the Mayor of Hinchtown and his comeback from a life-threatening injury two years ago at Indianapolis Motor Speedway earned him deeper respect among his peers.