Ferrari at Indianapolis
Jun 20, 2020 14:44:34 GMT -5
racerbrown, Michael Chriss, and 5 more like this
Post by raceparke on Jun 20, 2020 14:44:34 GMT -5
Recent information has come to light that may be of interest.
From Parkipedia:
The Ferrari 637 Indianapolis racing car was commissioned by Enzo Ferrari as a move in his ongoing dispute, often rancorous, with European auto racing authorities. If Mr. Ferrari could make them believe he might leave F1 for another open-wheel racing series, they might agree to his demand that V12 engines be permitted in changes to technical regulations planned to take effect in 1989. In the event, that concession was made.
The car was completed in late 1986 and the decision was taken to attempt to race it in the Indianapolis 500 the following May.
Mr. Ferrari induced his old friend, the retired Luigi Chinetti, to lend his name to the enterprise. It was Mr. Ferrari’s intent that the program not be seen as a Ferrari effort, but as a private effort with Mr. Chinetti as titular head and the cars were repainted from the normal red. This was an attempt to avoid further unpleasantness with the European authorities.
Mr. Chinetti, not up to date with the Indy racing scene, consulted with Mario Andretti, who had driven for him in several mid-sixties sports car events. Mr. Andretti mentioned that his nephew John might fit into the program- although he had little experience at this level, he had proven to be a quick learner and would be a steady driver. Mr. Chinetti agreed.
Team mechanics from the Ferrari racing department wearing custom uniforms were assisted by several Truesports racing team personnel who were seconded to the program to advise on the special requirements of that unique event. The month of May got off to a slow start as the team came to grips with a new car and an untested team. It became clear that John’s positive attitude and mechanical sympathy were a clear asset.
Steady progress was made and the car and driver eventually qualified in the fifth row. During the race, the car ran as high as seventh, but unfortunately retired with a broken exhaust.
The car never raced again and was repainted red and is now in the museum in Maranello. John Andretti drove in five races later that season for Mike Curb, finishing all of them. His average starting position was seventeenth and his average finishing position was eighth. He went on to a long and varied career, with many successes in a variety of racing disciplines.
This model in commemoration of this event was made possible by Kevin at Silver City Models and Gary at Circle Track decals. Thank you both.
From Parkipedia:
The Ferrari 637 Indianapolis racing car was commissioned by Enzo Ferrari as a move in his ongoing dispute, often rancorous, with European auto racing authorities. If Mr. Ferrari could make them believe he might leave F1 for another open-wheel racing series, they might agree to his demand that V12 engines be permitted in changes to technical regulations planned to take effect in 1989. In the event, that concession was made.
The car was completed in late 1986 and the decision was taken to attempt to race it in the Indianapolis 500 the following May.
Mr. Ferrari induced his old friend, the retired Luigi Chinetti, to lend his name to the enterprise. It was Mr. Ferrari’s intent that the program not be seen as a Ferrari effort, but as a private effort with Mr. Chinetti as titular head and the cars were repainted from the normal red. This was an attempt to avoid further unpleasantness with the European authorities.
Mr. Chinetti, not up to date with the Indy racing scene, consulted with Mario Andretti, who had driven for him in several mid-sixties sports car events. Mr. Andretti mentioned that his nephew John might fit into the program- although he had little experience at this level, he had proven to be a quick learner and would be a steady driver. Mr. Chinetti agreed.
Team mechanics from the Ferrari racing department wearing custom uniforms were assisted by several Truesports racing team personnel who were seconded to the program to advise on the special requirements of that unique event. The month of May got off to a slow start as the team came to grips with a new car and an untested team. It became clear that John’s positive attitude and mechanical sympathy were a clear asset.
Steady progress was made and the car and driver eventually qualified in the fifth row. During the race, the car ran as high as seventh, but unfortunately retired with a broken exhaust.
The car never raced again and was repainted red and is now in the museum in Maranello. John Andretti drove in five races later that season for Mike Curb, finishing all of them. His average starting position was seventeenth and his average finishing position was eighth. He went on to a long and varied career, with many successes in a variety of racing disciplines.
This model in commemoration of this event was made possible by Kevin at Silver City Models and Gary at Circle Track decals. Thank you both.
