Over 70,000 rabid F1 fans came to their feet as nearly 40 historic Formula One cars built between 1960 and 1983 took to the track as part of the inaugural U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis on September 21-24. Rounding out a three-race series, which included the Monterey Historics and the Zippo Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, the Historic Grand Prix group put on a spectacular display for the record crowds.
While some of the historic participants were disappointed to learn that their on-track activities would be restricted behind a pace car, once they took to the track, disappointment was replaced with elation at being part of such a “historic” event. According to one driver, “Despite the pace car, I was still able to get up to over 150 mph on the front straight!”
The Historic Grand Prix participants were exceptioanlly well treated throughout the weekend thanks to the generosity of vintage racer and CART PacWest team owner Bruce McCaw. McCaw brought his enormous PacWest hospitality trailer to provide the HGP drivers and crew a nice place to relax and enjoy a gourmet meal.
