Motorsport

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Renames The Corkscrew For Alex Zanardi

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 01, 2026

Laguna Seca Corkscrew Renamed For Alex Zanardi

Located in sunny California, Laguna Seca is one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the world, and it’s especially known for a particular corner that is one of the world’s most challenging and dramatic: the Corkscrew. The corner sees drivers crest a hill with a blind Turn 8, and then immediately take on a sharp downhill Turn 8A. Visitors to the track climb an impressive hill for the best view of the corner at races, and it’s the defining feature of the challenging circuit. It was at the Laguna Seca Corkscrew on September 8, 1996, when, during the CART season finale’s final lap, the #4 Target Chip Ganassi Honda Reynard, driven by the late Alex Zanardi, daringly moved on Bryan Herta entering the corner. The move resulted in a win for Alex Zanardi, and it would go down in racing history as “The Pass.” That incredible achievement is approaching its 30th anniversary, and its a part of Zanardi’s incredible racing legacy, which includes two CART championship wins, 15 CART race wins, and several other accolades. Despite a devastating 2001 accident that resulted in Zanardi losing both legs, he would return to racing as a handcyclist, becoming a Paralympic gold medalist. About Zanardi, Bruce Canepa commented, “I met Alex in his Rookie INDYCAR year with Chip. We will always remember his fearless racing style, his determination and, perhaps most of all, that infectious smile that made him so beloved throughout the motorsports community.” Honoring Zanardi’s legacy and the 30th anniversary of “The Pass,” WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has announced that it will officially rename the Corkscrew in his honor. The official dedication, renaming the corner to the “Zanardi Corkscrew,” will take place on Friday, September 4, and not only are fans invited to the ceremony, special guests who were involved in Zanardi’s storied career were present, as well. Chip Ganassi, Max Papis, Doug Boles, and others will be in attendance, previewing the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship Finale, taking place at the track during Labor Day Weekend. An iconic corner already, the renaming of the legendary Corkscrew honors a moment in racing history that shaped both the legacies of the Laguna Seca Circuit and Alex Zanardi. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

By Michael Van Runkle – June 21, 2026

Corvette ZR1X Obliterates Pikes Peak Hill Climb Production Car Record

At the 104th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this Sunday, to the surprise of almost nobody on the mountain, a nearly stock Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X demolished the production car record. Pikes Peak might just be the most unpredictable motorsport event in the world, given the challenges of oxygen deprivation, weather fluctuations, and even wildlife sightings on the race up to the 14,115-foot summit. And yet, the ZR1X’s combined 1,250 horsepower and hybridized all-wheel-drive traction proved beyond a reasonable doubt just how much performance GM baked into America’s new flagship hypercar. Chevrolet tapped IndyCar and Pikes Peak veteran JR Hildebrand to pilot the ZR1X, which featured modifications only as necessary to meet the mountain’s stringent safety standards. Hildebrand’s program spanned weeks of testing ahead of race day, and the ZR1X immediately started logging impressive times on practice portions of the 12.42-mile course. Every launch tended to clear out team tents in the pits, as the enthusiast within every other driver, engineer, and mechanic clamored to catch a vision of the brutal acceleration from the top-spec ’Vette. “This is just the right tool for the job to come to a place like this,” Hildebrand told duPont Registry. “You've got the front drive unit literally pulling you out of the corners, right up into the RPM band of the ICE powertrain behind you. And it’s all just completely seamless… I'm just sitting here, locked in, enjoying the ride.” Of course, inclement Colorado weather can roll in any time of day or night and render Pikes Peak a nightmare for teams, drivers, and cars. On race day last year, high winds at the summit dictated finishing at the ranger station nestled into Glen Cove, at just 11,440 feet of elevation. European Hill Climb Championship driver Simone Faggioli won King of the Mountain on that shortened course with a time of just 3:37.196. This year, any remaining cloud cover burned off at sunrise as balmy temperatures graced the entire mountainside. In qualifying, which by coincidence almost perfectly matches the distance of 2025’s race, Hildebrand managed a time of 3:57.504 – good enough to start 13th overall on race day. This allowed a new cadre of Ultra4 cars, as well as a fleet of GT4 Trophy racers, to clear dust off the road and ensure ideal traction for the ZR1X. But first, longtime Pikes Peak denizen David Donner, who has claimed eight class victories over the years, looked to cement his 000 Magazine-liveried 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S with an official production car time on an official race day. Previously, Donner had driven the Turbo S to a wintry raceday time of 10:34.053 amid damp and foggy weather in 2022, and then on a non-race day attempt, logged a PPIHC-certified time of 9:53.541. Those times straddled the official race day record of 10:18.488 which Rhys Millen set in a Bentley Continental GT in 2019. Amid this year’s ideal conditions, Donner very nearly matched that prior record with a time of 9:53.740 – or good enough to elicit applause from the pits and fans as the announcers explained the new standard. By then, two places back, Hildebrand had already set off from the starting line. Shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber on the stock carbon wheels, with a livery celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the ZR1X roared off with all four tires churning. The Pikes Peak leaderboard then struggled a bit, and Hildebrand’s sector times never flashed until the third out of four, where he handed Donner a solid five seconds. By the summit, his finishing time of 9:30.104 firmly shut the door for any potential challenges from the remaining drivers. On hand to witness the record-setting run, Executive Chief Engineer for Global Corvette and Performance Cars Tony Roma erupted into an exuberant cheer when Hildebrand’s record finally flashed on the leaderboard. “When JR and I first started talking about this program and what the car was capable of,” Roma said. “We knew the car would be fast. We did a little bit of analysis to know it should easily break the record, but I mean, he just crushed it!” “This is basically a production car with the alignment and tire pressure set,” Roma continued. “We've added only the things required for the rules: safety equipment, fuel cell, roll cage, seat belts, fire system, cutoff switches, things like that. There's nothing performance enhancement-wise, everything is bone stock and legit, right down to the DOT tires that you can buy on your ZR1X.” The rest of the day’s results played out with minimal drama, at least for Pike Peak standards. Ford returned with overall record-holder Romain Dumas behind the wheel of the Super Mustang Mach-E and set the third quickest time ever, at 8:18.202. Briton Robin Shute, meanwhile, debuted an all-new SendyCar V1 and claimed a class win against second-place Faggioli, good enough for the rear-wheel drive record at 8:29.497. And Emelia Hartford in a “base” Corvette ZR1 without the benefits of electric power or all-wheel traction can now claim the title of fastest woman on four wheels up the hill, beating out the former Queen of the Mountain Laura Hayes by more than six seconds. A noticeable buzz surrounded Pikes Peak this year, at the popular fan fest in downtown Colorado Springs and among the fans lining the race course up the mountain. Chevy and the dual effort certainly contributed to the excitement, and Hildebrand in the ZR1X in particular likely set a time that may deter any other automakers from even attempting a competing program at all in the near future. Only a Czinger 21C, perhaps, or a McMurtry Spéirling might come anywhere near the ZR1X’s capability. Each might, in their own right, challenge the production “class” that’s not an actual class on race day – Hildebrand technically competed in the Time Attack 1 category, something the Pikes Peak organization certainly needs to define more specifically. More clearly delineated regulations would help to clarify exactly what constitutes a production car record, now that the ZR1X as the world’s most attainable hypercar has set a new benchmark for racing up the world’s most iconic hill climb. PHOTOS COURTESY: Michael Van Runkle, Larry Chen

By Charles Bradley – June 14, 2026

Toyota beats BMW, Cadillac to Win 24 Hours of Le Mans

Toyota returns to the top at Le Mans as the Hypercar era delivers another classic endurance battle, defeating BMW and Cadillac after 24 hours of drama, strategy, and relentless pace. Following a thrilling four-car battle for victory between three manufacturers, Toyota came won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance racing classic from BMW and Cadillac. The #7 TR010 HYBRID of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries prevailed, scoring Toyota’s sixth win at Le Mans since 2018 – and its first of the Le Mans Hypercar era that’s been dominated by Ferrari. Few automotive events carry the mythology, history, and prestige of Le Mans. Since its inaugural running in 1923, the legendary French race has served as the ultimate proving ground for the world’s greatest manufacturers, drivers, and machines – a place where engineering innovation, human endurance, and outright speed converge over 24 unforgiving hours. For collectors and enthusiasts, Le Mans represents more than a race. It is a cornerstone of automotive heritage, a place where icons are born and legends are written. From Ferrari and Porsche battling for supremacy to the technological breakthroughs that have shaped generations of road cars, the Circuit de la Sarthe has always been where performance meets purpose. Winning Le Mans is among the most coveted achievements in motorsport, joining an elite legacy that includes some of the most celebrated names in automotive history. For the brands, drivers, and collectors who understand the significance of provenance, few victories carry the same weight as a triumph at Le Mans. It is not simply a test of speed – it is the ultimate measure of endurance, innovation, and automotive excellence. And Toyota achieved this year’s victory the hard way. After starting from down in 14th on the grid on Saturday afternoon for the 94th edition of the twice-around-the-clock event, the #7 Toyota gained positions on the track and, via fast laps on a clear track, thanks to an early fuel stop. However, it lost time due to a puncture after around three hours, dropping it out of the top 10 again. But relentless pace from all drivers through the night brought it back into the top four as dawn broke at La Sarthe, and its sister car, the #8 – piloted by Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa – endured a long pitstop to remedy a brake issue. The race was decided in the closing hours after a safety car for the Porsche 911 GT3 of reigning DTM champion Ayhancan Guven, who slammed into the barriers at the exit of the first Mulsanne chicane. It was only the second major incident of the race, that required a full-course caution. The Toyotas pulled some power moves to hit the front, and even ran 1-2 going into the final hour, until the BMW of Robin Frijns (which led for a long time in the hands of Rene Rast and team-mate Sheldon van der Linde) grabbed second from Buemi’s #8 Toyota with a brave move just before the final round of pitstops. But he didn’t have time to catch Kobayashi, who outran him until the finish – and the Japanese F1 racer was glad that Buemi had held the BMW up, so he had a buffer. The margin of victory after 24 hours of racing was just 10.913s. "I need a beer now," joked Kobayashi on his victory lap. Ferrari was unable to score a fourth consecutive outright victory, as its 499 prototypes did not have quite enough speed to challenge for honors, and its #51 car finished fifth. Cadillac had two cars in the fight for the win, but lost its frontrunning #38 car due to a power steering failure shortly after 4am on Sunday. However, its #12 V.Series-R of Louis Deletraz, Will Stevens and Norman Nato finished fourth. There was some joy for General Motors in the LMGT3 class, however. The #33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R – driven by Ben Keating, Johnny Edgar and Nicky Catsburg – took control of the category on Sunday morning, and fended off a strong challenge from Lexus and Aston Martin. View All Supercars and Exotic Cars for Sale Images: Toyota

GM Unveils Spectacular Trophy and Corvette ZR1X Pace Car for 2026 Detroit Grand Prix

By Charles Bradley – May 27, 2026

GM Unveils New Trophy and Corvette ZR1X Pace Car for 2026 Detroit GP

Detroit’s automotive legacy will take center stage in dramatic fashion this weekend as General Motors and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear unveil two striking new symbols of the city’s enduring spirit of innovation: a newly designed winner’s trophy inspired by Detroit’s most iconic landmark and the electrified 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X as the official pace car for the 2026 race weekend. Held a week after the Indianapolis 500, INDYCAR is set to return to the Streets of Downtown Detroit from May 29-31, the 36th Grand Prix event in the city’s history will celebrate not only elite motorsport competition – that also includes the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – but also the craftsmanship and design excellence that continue to define the Motor City. At the heart of this year’s unveiling is a newly introduced race trophy conceived by GM’s in-house Industrial Design team. Drawing inspiration from both Spirit of Detroit and GM’s new global headquarters at Hudson’s Detroit, the trophy blends historic symbolism with contemporary architectural sophistication. The design pays tribute to sculptor Marshall Fredericks’ celebrated 26-foot bronze monument commissioned in 1955, which has long stood as one of Detroit’s most recognizable symbols. Positioned along Woodward Avenue near Turn 3 of the downtown race circuit, the monument has represented hope, progress, and resilience for generations. “The GM Industrial Design team drew inspiration from the Spirit of Detroit and our new global headquarters at Hudson’s Detroit, two iconic landmarks representing strength, progress and craft,” said Crystal Windham, GM Executive Director of Industrial Design. “The 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear trophy is designed to celebrate Detroit.” Developed in collaboration with acclaimed trophy creator Mike Husar, who has crafted Detroit Grand Prix trophies since the event’s 2007 return to Belle Isle, the bespoke design will be awarded to the top three finishers in both the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix and the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race. Complementing the trophy’s debut is the introduction of the 2026 Corvette ZR1X as the event’s official pace car – a machine that represents the pinnacle of contemporary American performance engineering. Delivering a staggering 1,250 combined horsepower through a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a front-axle electric motor, the electrified all-wheel-drive hypercar is the most powerful production Corvette ever created. Engineered with precision worthy of its pace-setting duties, the ZR1X can sprint from zero to 60 mph in under two seconds while reaching top speeds approaching 233 mph. Finished in a bespoke half-Arctic White, half-Admiral Blue livery hand-painted by GM Design, the pace car features American flag-inspired details, including 50 stars and patriotic striping influenced by Chevrolet’s Stars and Steel Collection commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. For track duty, the Corvette is equipped with Chevrolet’s advanced Carbon Aero package, featuring aerodynamic dive planes, underbody strakes, and a dramatic rear wing capable of generating more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. “Ever since we brought the Grand Prix back downtown, it has been about celebrating the spirit, creativity and resilience of Detroit,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. “From a trophy that honors two of the city’s most iconic landmarks to a pace car that represents the pinnacle of American performance, these elements reflect who we are as a community and what makes this event so special for our fans, our partners and, most importantly, our city.” Set against the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk, the 1.7-mile, nine-turn downtown circuit once again provides the perfect stage for Detroit to showcase its unmatched blend of automotive heritage, cutting-edge engineering, and design-led luxury.

Indy 500 Winner Felix Rosenqvist Landed Record $4.34 Million Payday

By Charles Bradley – May 26, 2026

Indy 500 Winner Felix Rosenqvist Scored Record $4.34 Million Payday

For a race already steeped in prestige, history, and spectacle, the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge raised the stakes yet again. This year’s edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” delivered its richest purse ever on Sunday, with a record-breaking total payout of $30,906,400. At the center of that milestone was first-time winner Felix Rosenqvist, whose dramatic victory for Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian earned the Swedish driver a record $4.34 million. The historic payday capped one of the most memorable finishes in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history. Rosenqvist surged from third to first during a one-lap shootout to the checkered flag, going wheel-to-wheel with Meyer Shank Racing teammate Marcus Armstrong through the four turns before slingshotting past Team Penske’s David Malukas in the race to the fabled yard of bricks. The final margin of victory – just 0.0233 seconds – marked the closest finish ever recorded in the history of the famed race’s 110 editions. For the 34-year-old Rosenqvist, the victory represented a defining career moment. For the Indianapolis 500, it underscored the event’s continued commercial and cultural momentum, as the purse record was broken for the fifth consecutive year. This year’s average payout for NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers reached $936,500, comfortably surpassing last year’s average of $596,500 and reflecting the race’s rapidly expanding financial significance. For a second year in a row, and the third time since 2016, the race was a complete sellout, with a raceday attendance over 350,000 fans. The growth has been striking: In 2025, the Indianapolis 500 purse totaled $20,283,000, with the winner earning $3.8 million. In 2024, the purse stood at $18,456,000, while the winner collected $4.3 million, including a $440,000 rollover bonus from BorgWarner for earning back-to-back victories. The 2023 purse was $17,021,500, with the winner receiving $3.7 million, while 2022 delivered a $16,000,200 purse and a $3.1 million winner’s payout. Before that, the largest purse in Indianapolis 500 history was $14.4 million, set in 2008. Billionaire businessman Roger Penske purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar from the Hulman-George Family in 2019, and set about restoring former glories, and a strong financial future, for the famed event. “The Indianapolis 500 continues to make history, in more ways than one,” said INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “The Month of May featured a back-to-back grandstand sellout crowd – our largest crowd since the 100th Running in 2016 – and intense on-track action with the most lead changes ever in the Indy 500. Felix Rosenqvist added his name to the history books in stellar fashion, with the closest finish in Indy 500 history and now the largest purse. There’s no better end to a memorable month.” Beyond Rosenqvist’s landmark victory, the month also delivered a standout Indy 500 debut for Mick Schumacher – the son of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. Competing for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Schumacher earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors for his performance throughout May, collecting a $50,000 bonus and bringing his total take-home prize to $218,800. The Indianapolis 500 purse consists of awards from Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, along with designated and special awards distributed annually during the Victory Celebration, held this year at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. In a year already defined by sellout crowds, record lead changes, and the closest finish the race has ever seen, the 110th Indianapolis 500 proved that its allure – both sporting and financial – has never been stronger. PHOTOS: Penske Entertainment

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 21, 2026

Courtney Crone: A Motorsport Icon In The Making

It’s hard to believe that she has around 20 years of racing experience, but that’s because Courtney Crone began her motorsport career at just five years old. What started behind the wheel of a Quarter Midget has now become an impressive resume, including Formula 4 wins, several championships, participation in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Championship, and competition as a wildcard entry in F1 Academy for Prema Racing. Currently, Crone is competing in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT4 with Peregrine Racing, and in the World Racing League with 888 Racing in the Porsche 991.2 911 GT3. As she continues to climb the endurance racing ladder, she already has achievements like the 2023/2024 IMSA Driver Diversity Development scholarship, global racing experience, and a partnership with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team to her name. She also boasts diverse racing experience, from Quarter Midgets to motorcycles, prototypes, GT cars, formula cars, and even dirt racing. In those different disciplines, she’s proven her ability to adapt and optimize performance. As the motorsport world works to bring more women to the forefront, Courtney Crone’s blossoming racing career is proof that with hard work and skill, racing dreams can come true for young women and girls. Off the track, Courtney enjoys activities such as golf, snowboarding, and cycling in her free time. Born in Southern California, Crone also lends her motorsport expertise to The Thermal Club as a coach. Located in California’s Coachella Valley, the facility features three separate road courses that can be combined for up to 20 circuit configurations, the longest being the 5-mile GT circuit. Complex corners, elevation changes, and thrilling straights offer a diverse set of challenges for any driver. One of Crone’s personal favorite aspects of The Thermal Club is its karting track, which features multiple configurations to help demonstrate the fundamentals of racing. Membership at The Thermal Club offers a variety of benefits to motorsport enthusiasts, as well, including vehicle storage, tuning and mechanical support, detailing, on-site fueling, and more, along with a host of luxurious amenities beyond the automotive realm. <- Gallery -> In the racing world, Courtney Crone is already a force to be reckoned with, having spent her childhood climbing the ranks from Quarter Midgets to Formula and endurance competition. Once the 2026 racing season comes to a close, Crone aims to make a full-season effort in the GT4 category and is currently coordinating sponsorships and partnerships to bring that to fruition in 2027. When we asked which tracks she looks forward to driving, Crone listed Circuit Spa-Francorchamps and Circuit Mont-Tremblant, specifically behind the wheel of a vintage F1 car or a Formula Atlantic car. As her career continues, her sights are set on faster cars, bigger stages, and pioneering superstardom. View All Luxury And Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: Courtney Crone

TeamSLR Begins Trans Am Series Title Defense At Sebring

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 25, 2026

TeamSLR Aims To Defend Trans Am Title At Sebring

TeamSLR and M1 Racecars ended the 2025 Trans Am Series season with seven consecutive national series victories by four different drivers, with Tristan McKee leading the victory parade after an incredible rookie season at just fifteen years old, including earning national series driver, Young Guns, and Rookie of the Year titles. Former champion and veteran driver Mike Skeen was also part of the celebration, as were victorious teen drivers Carson Brown and Helio Meza. <- Gallery -> Combined, TeamSLR and M1 Racecars enjoyed a 2025 season with 20 victories, 38 podium finishes, and 23 pole positions. Now, TeamSLR is going into the 2026 season looking to defend its title, and it’s kicking off this weekend at the iconic Sebring International Raceway. There, a new lineup is looking to help defend TeamSLR’s title. Lanie Buice, an eighteen-year-old from Georgia, is a 2026 Chevrolet development driver, along with Helio Meza, who is also eighteen. Both have notable racing successes to their names, especially for their youth. Alon Day, 34, is also joining the team, with a racing career that includes success in the NASCAR Euro Series and other efforts going into his rookie season TA2 Series season. Connor Mosack, 27, is part of the lineup, as well, returning to TeamSLR for the fifth time after scoring victories for the team in 2021 and 2022. Limiting his practice time at Sebring, Mosack will also be racing the No. 48 Guthrie's Garage/Roaring Pines Motorclub/M1 Racecars entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in St. Petersburg on Saturday, a few hours' drive west of Sebring. Joining TeamSLR and M1 Racecars as partners this season Guthrie’s Garage, CUBE 3 Architecture, Franklin Road Apparel Company, and Kallberg Racing. As the season-opening race in Sebring fast approaches, the successful TeamSLR hopes to continue a winning streak in Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s 60th anniversary season. Image Source: TeamSLR

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 17, 2026

Watch Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' Season 8 Trailer

There’s no question that Formula One has evolved into one of the most watched and talked-about sports on the planet, combining action-packed, high-speed racing with the relentless pressure of teams and drivers all chasing a spot on the podium after a long race weekend. While longtime fans around the world have celebrated legends like Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, Jim Clark, and countless others for decades, the sport found a whole new audience with Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, which pulled back the curtain and turned casual viewers into die-hard followers almost overnight. Celebrating the upcoming debut of its newest season, Netflix recently shared the official trailer for Drive to Survive Season 8, offering an inside look at one of F1’s most exciting seasons yet. As part of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, the 2025 Formula One season had a different kind of energy right from the start. There were changes everywhere you looked, and not just the usual driver swaps or mid-grid shuffling. The biggest talking point was Lewis Hamilton putting on a red race suit and joining Scuderia Ferrari, a move that alone reshaped the conversation around the paddock. At the same time, teams like Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Red Bull Racing, and McLaren F1 Team were all dealing with their own internal shifts, setting the stage for a season that felt wide open and constantly in motion. That’s the scene Drive to Survive Season 8 shifts into. Instead of focusing on race results, it concentrates on the moments in between, the pressure on newcomers trying to make a name for themselves, the tension inside team garages, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that quietly shape a championship. Familiar faces like Max Verstappen are still part of the story, but the season also gives space to fresh storylines and shifting dynamics across the grid. It’s a snapshot of a sport in transition, which makes the new season easy to get curious about without spoiling a thing.

By Khris Bharath – February 11, 2026

Aston Martin Unveils AMR26 as 2026 F1 Grid Takes Final Shape

Aston Martin formally unveiled the AMR26 livery at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with title partner Aramco. The presentation marked the final livery reveal of the 2026 Formula 1 grid and signaled the British team’s full commitment to Formula 1's new regulatory era. The AMR26 is the first Aston Martin developed entirely under the 2026 regulations, which introduces all-new power units, revised aerodynamics, and different tire specifications. Supported by Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline, the program also integrates power unit development, mandatory sustainable fuels, and advanced lubricants. That status expands integration between chassis and power unit architecture from inception. This is also the first car produced from the completed AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone, including correlation work conducted in the team’s new CoreWeave AIR wind tunnel and advanced simulator. Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll has overseen the transition to full works status and the expansion of the Silverstone campus. Adrian Newey leads the technical direction of the project and will assume the role of team principal. With championship-winning experience at Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing, Newey joins Aston Martin at a pivotal moment in Formula 1. "2026 is a rare moment because, for the first time, the chassis and engine regulations have changed simultaneously. When there are completely new rules, the best philosophy is never immediately obvious, and understanding evolves as the car develops. With the AMR26, we took a holistic approach because there isn't a single component that stands out; we want the entire package to work together. The focus was on a solid foundation and development potential to provide Lance and Fernando with consistent performance." - Adrian Newey, Team Principal, Aston Martin F1 Chief Technical Officer Enrico Cardile, formerly Ferrari’s Technical Director, will support the program’s technical restructuring alongside Newey. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll return for a fourth consecutive season, bringing a combined 614 Formula 1 starts. Jak Crawford will serve as the third driver and full-time reserve. The AMR26 has already completed an initial shakedown in Barcelona and will enter official pre-season testing in Bahrain before its race debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8th. View All Aston Martins For Sale Images: Aston Martin F1

By Khris Bharath – February 09, 2026

Cadillac Reveals 2026 Formula 1 Race Livery

Last month, Cadillac unveiled a purpose-built testing livery at the Detroit Auto Show, ahead of early running at Silverstone and subsequent Barcelona shakedown. Now, that sequence reaches its conclusion with the final race livery revealed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@cadillacf1) GM agreed to join F1 back in 2024, and since March last year, when Cadillac Formula 1 Team gained official FIA and Formula One Management approval to join the grid, the organization has laid serious groundwork. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the team now operates with over 300 engineers across key hubs in Indianapolis, Charlotte, Warren, and Silverstone. Leadership under Team Principal Graeme Lowdon and powertrain development directed by Russ O’Brien has moved the program forward at pace. The reveal in Times Square ties this momentum together. The final race livery evolves from what was first seen in Detroit, one that was devoid of sponsors. The black and silver palette carries over with the bold new Cadillac logo featured on the nose, the halo, and sidepods. From above, the central stripe runs cleanly from the nose through the cockpit and into the engine cover. Cadillac’s racing partners like TWG, IFS, Tommy Hilfiger, Gainbridge, Tenneco, Core Scientific, and Tommy Hilfiger now prominently feature on the car’s body. White Pirelli lettering features on the tires, while Claro and Jim Beam sit along the flanks. As for the driver lineup, Sergio “Checo” Perez and Valtteri Bottas will launch Cadillac’s first Formula 1 season, bringing more than 500 combined race starts and decades of experience between them. Perez arrives with six Grand Prix victories and proven race-winning pace. Bottas brings technical clarity and consistency developed at the sharp end of the grid. For the 2026 season, Cadillac will use customer Ferrari engines. IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Champion, Colton Herta, will serve as test driver. Looking further ahead, Cadillac’s own GM Performance Power Units division is developing a fully FIA-approved F1 power unit for introduction in 2029. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of the 2026 Formula 1 regulation reset. New rules place greater emphasis on ground effect aerodynamics, simplified bodywork, sustainable fuels, and a rebalanced hybrid formula. With that, attention turns to the F1 season opener on March 8th at Albert Park, where Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey officially begins. Watch this space. View All Cadillacs for Sale Images: @cadillacf1

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