If you turn to page 68 of the new Road&Track, you’ll find my article on the NASA NP01 Prototype. My drive took place about five weeks after I had my leg screwed together and I was in all sorts of misery for the entire day — but I was thoroughly impressed by the car and its potential to create a whole new race class that will be great fun for both drivers and spectators.
If you can only read one article in this issue, however, forget what I wrote and proceed directly to Sam Smith’s overview of five important Indy 500 cars. Written with care, knowledge, and a love for the sport that is both deep and abiding, Sam’s journey through history truly puts you right in the driver’s seat with him as he experiences the Indianapolis story from the driver’s point of view. It’s a brilliant example of what you can do when you combine the resources and prestige of a magazine like R&T with a writer who cares about something besides the next first-class flight to Geneva. Normally, it is my considered opinion that it is a privilege for Sam to be published next to me, but this month the shoe of outrageous ego is on the other foot. Check it out.
After 50 years of listening on the radio and tape delayed TV, I am attending this year. Just coincidence that it’s the 100 running of the race. I grew up thinking this was the most important motor event in the world. At one time, it just might have been.
Go read the 3 volume auto-biography of Smoky Yunick and get a taste of racing when you could build a car in your backyard and maybe win the 500.
The writing was fantastic. Some of the best I’ve read in a while. Brought back a fondness for that race that had long been lost in me. The only thing better than the writing was the photography. That picture of Sam on page 33 blew me away. I smile every time I look at it.
The Indy 500 article is excellent. Sam has been getting some amazing automotive opportunities, and he deserves them.
I enjoyed the review of the Elan as well. It certainly made me want one. But the subject matter of Sam’s article is on another level. New cars just can’t compete with the aura of historic race cars.