Chip Ganassi Racing and DHL to Honor Alex Zanardi with Iconic Lightning Bolt Livery at Laguna Seca
Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), in collaboration with DHL, is set to revive one of the most recognizable liveries in open-wheel racing. The #10 Honda, piloted by four-time IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou, will showcase the classic CGR lightning bolt design at the season-ending race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, scheduled from September 4-6, 2026. This special paint scheme serves as a profound homage to the enduring legacy of motorsports legend Alex Zanardi.
The retro design evokes the distinctive visual identity established by Zanardi and other revered figures from CGR's remarkable era, which saw the team secure four consecutive championships between 1996 and 1999. The race on September 6, 2026, holds particular significance as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of "The Pass," Zanardi's celebrated last-lap maneuver through the Corkscrew that secured his victory in the 1996 season finale and earned him Rookie of the Year honors. The event also marks three decades since CGR's first championship, clinched by Zanardi's teammate Jimmy Vasser, which coincidentally secured Honda's inaugural IndyCar title.
Alex Palou expressed his enthusiasm for racing with the iconic lightning bolt, stating, “I'm thrilled to have the lightning bolt back on our car. We are racing to honor Alex Zanardi at Laguna, a circuit that holds special meaning due to his iconic corner. Additionally, this year marks the 30th anniversary of CGR’s and Honda's first IndyCar championship. We are bringing all these elements together for the fans and for ourselves, and I am optimistic for a strong performance from the #10 DHL car.”
Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S., emphasized the importance of the upcoming weekend for both the team and the sponsor. He remarked, “We are privileged to commemorate Alex Zanardi’s incredible legacy. His determination, passion, and indomitable spirit resonate deeply with the values that drive our employees daily. Laguna Seca is especially meaningful as we celebrate 15 years in IndyCar and a phenomenal season with Alex Palou. It’s a fitting occasion to honor Zanardi’s contributions while celebrating the winning ethos that makes this a truly special moment for DHL and Chip Ganassi Racing.”
The #10 DHL Lightning Bolt Honda will make its debut on the track for practice on Friday, September 3. Palou heads into the upcoming doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile with a commanding 91-point lead in the championship standings, as he and CGR aim to secure a record-breaking 18th IndyCar championship for the organization.
Palou has an exceptional track record at Laguna Seca, having won there three times, including back-to-back victories. His dominant five-race stretch at this circuit is among the most impressive in series history, as he has consistently finished on the podium. Another victory would see him equal Bobby Rahal’s all-time win record at Laguna Seca, and leading an additional 12 laps would establish a new record for laps led at the venue. With three career poles and five podium finishes at the road course, one more pole and podium would tie the track records in both categories.
Alex Zanardi was a truly inspirational athlete. He competed for Chip Ganassi Racing from 1996 to 1998, securing two IndyCar championships and 15 race victories, captivating audiences globally with his aggressive driving style and charismatic personality. After a severe crash in 2001 at Germany's EuroSpeedway Lausitz, which resulted in the amputation of both his legs, Zanardi's remarkable return to motorsports inspired the entire global sporting community. He went on to win four races in the World Touring Car Championship and later competed in the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Beyond his achievements in auto racing, Zanardi also excelled as a world-class handcyclist, earning four Paralympic gold medals and 12 Para-cycling World Championships. His unwavering spirit, ability to overcome adversity, and competitive drive made him a hero to millions worldwide until his passing on May 1, 2026, at the age of 59.
This upcoming Laguna Seca event will be a poignant blend of past and present, celebrating the illustrious career of Alex Zanardi and the continued success of Chip Ganassi Racing. The return of the iconic lightning bolt livery serves as a powerful symbol of heritage and inspiration, uniting generations of racing fans and honoring the spirit of a true sporting icon. The partnership between CGR and DHL underscores a shared commitment to excellence and a deep respect for the sport's history, making the season finale a memorable tribute to a legend.