– At the season finale of the IndyCar series at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, motorsport fans can look forward to a very special highlight: Chip Ganassi Racing is sending its championship leader Alex Palou onto the track in an iconic livery.
Read more Kenny Roberts about Marc Marquez: “He needs a motorcycle that suits him”
The Dallara-Honda #10 shines in a livery inspired by the legendary “Lightning Bolt” design with which Alex Zanardi once made racing history. Against the backdrop of an emotional tribute, Palou is aiming for his fifth overall IndyCar victory. However, it could just as well happen that he secures the title this weekend at the double-header in Milwaukee. (All information about the IndyCar race weekend in Milwaukee)
The famous “Lightning Bolt” design shaped the golden era of Chip Ganassi Racing, during which the team celebrated four consecutive championships from 1996 to 1999. The current paintwork, which features a bit more yellow accents thanks to the main sponsor DHL, serves as an emotional tribute to Alex Zanardi, who passed away on May 1, 2026, at the age of 59.
Anniversary at the Corkscrew and record chase
The race weekend from September 4 to 6, 2026, has historic symbolic significance: it falls exactly on the 30th anniversary of Zanardi’s unforgettable overtaking maneuver “The Pass”. In the last lap of the 1996 season finale, the Italian squeezed past Bryan Herta in the spectacular Corkscrew chicane, secured the victory, and was crowned the best rookie of the season.
In addition, Ganassi celebrated the very first IndyCar title in team history with Zanardi’s teammate Jimmy Vasser in the same year – simultaneously the first title for engine partner Honda.
“I am incredibly proud to have the lightning bolt back on our car,” Palou said enthusiastically. “We are racing in memory of Alex Zanardi, and at his place, in his corner. Added to that is the 30th anniversary of the first title for the team and Honda.”
Read more Pirelli test in Mugello: Liam Lawson back in Red Bull
Palou enters the final sprint with the best prospects. Before the Milwaukee Mile, the four-time champion holds a comfortable lead of 91 points in the overall standings. For Ganassi, it is about the 18th title in team history.
Palou’s dream record on the traditional track
If the championship decision is only made at the finale in Laguna Seca, the statistics clearly favor the Spaniard. In his previous five starts on the Californian track, Palou has always finished on the podium and celebrated three wins, including the last two editions.
Another triumph would put him level with record winner Bobby Rahal. In addition, Palou is only twelve laps led away from taking over the all-time record for the most laps led at Laguna Seca Raceway.
Zanardi himself inspired the sports world far beyond motorsport: after his serious accident at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz in 2001, in which he lost both legs, he celebrated victories in the touring car world championship and won four gold medals in handcycling at the Paralympics.
- Formula 1Explained: Why the Red Bull engine received the best rating
- MotoGPJack Miller’s MotoGP exit confirmed: “Just a few Instagram posts”
- OthersSTCC gives up electric cars and becomes GT4 series
- Formula 1At test drives in Imola: Formula 1 debut of Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov
This is not the first tribute to the legendary design: in the last year of Target sponsorship, 2016, Scott Dixon once again raced with the Lightning Bolt to two season wins. With Alex Palou, the design has now found another worthy bearer.
Read more MotoGP live ticker Aragon: The Friday practice sessions of all classes
