Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and DHL will showcase one of the most iconic car designs in open-wheel racing on track. The #10 Honda, driven by Alex Palou, four-time IndyCar Series champion, will feature the emblematic CGR lightning bolt paint scheme during the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, taking place from September 4 to 6, 2026. This tribute honors motorsport legend Alex Zanardi.
The retro design pays homage to the visual signature that Zanardi popularized during the time CGR dominated the competition with four consecutive championships from 1996 to 1999. The race on September 6 will coincide with the 30th anniversary of “The Pass,” Zanardi’s memorable move on the last lap of 1996 that earned him victory and the Rookie of the Year title. It will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of CGR’s first championship, achieved by Zanardi’s teammate, Jimmy Vasser, marking Honda’s first title in IndyCar.
Palou expresses his excitement about the return of the lightning bolt scheme to his car: “I am very excited to see the lightning bolt back on our car. We are competing in memory of Alex Zanardi, at Laguna, his place. Additionally, it is the anniversary of Honda and CGR’s first championship, so we are getting everything ready for the fans, and I hope it will be a great race for the #10 DHL car.”
Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S., emphasized the significance of this race: “For us, it is an honor to pay tribute to the legacy of Alex Zanardi, a true motorsport legend; his determination, passion, and inspiring spirit reflect the values that drive our employees every day. Laguna Seca means a lot to us, celebrating 15 years in IndyCar and an incredible season with Alex Palou.”
The #10 DHL Lightning Bolt Honda will debut on Friday, September 3, with practice sessions. Palou, currently leading the championship standings with a 91-point advantage, aims to secure a record 18th IndyCar championship for the team. The driver, with three victories at Laguna Seca, has shown his supremacy on the track, aiming to match Bobby Rahal’s historic record of wins.
Remembering Alex Zanardi
Alex Zanardi was one of the most inspiring athletes in history. He raced with Chip Ganassi Racing between 1996 and 1998, achieving two IndyCar championships and 15 victories, captivating fans with his aggressive driving style and charismatic personality. After a tragic accident in 2001 in Germany that cost him both legs, Zanardi demonstrated incredible strength, returning to motorsport and winning four races in the World Touring Car Championship.
In addition to his racing career, Zanardi also excelled as a hand cyclist, winning four Paralympic gold medals and 12 world championships in adaptive cycling. His unmatched determination and passion for competition made him a hero until his death on May 1, 2026, at the age of 59.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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