Zak Brown has made it possible for Daniel Ricciardo to fulfill a dream: to drive the 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Wrangler that belonged to his youthful idol: Dale Earnhardt. The Australian did it this Saturday in Austin.
The first victory of Daniel Ricciardo With McLaren, won by the Australian at Monza in early September, it filled the Australian with glee, but included the icing on the cake in the form of a bet won.
And is that Zak Brown He had promised Ricciardo he would let him drive Dale Earnhardt’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo when he claimed that first win for the Woking team.
Said and done. In Austin, the CEO of McLaren Racing made good on his promise and Daniel Ricciardo took to the track with this great museum piece to delight the public, but especially himself.
Loading tweet …
1451963756473430017
“It was a lot of fun seeing the car on the track before practice for the United States Grand Prix,” Zak Brown noted about it. «My car collection is driven by passion for sport and famous and iconic drivers, cars and teams. I think motorsport is about sports and entertainment. We are fortunate to have two drivers who like to have a lot of fun. “
«Daniel is a huge Dale Senior fan and it is a great time to celebrate Daniel’s victory, give him a once in a lifetime opportunity, it’s great to be able to race together and share our passion for the sport around a demonstration that is iconic and, ultimately, offer a show for the fans, “stressed the American.
The Earnhardt family, grateful
Earnhardt was killed in an accident during the Daytona 500 in 2001. His son, Dale Earnhardt JuniorHe declared that he was “happy that Daniel had the opportunity to drive the car. I am also thankful for how you honor my father. That makes many family members smile and to dad’s fans.
Loading tweet …
1451997668943740928
Daniel Ricciardo, for his part, told a funny anecdote in which Max Verstappen sent him a screenshot in which he was seen smiling from ear to ear inside the legendary Chevrolet. “I went back to my room after leaving NASCAR and my phone lit up. It said ‘Max Verstappen’, which he sent me a screenshot of me down the straightaway with that huge grin. And he said, ‘You seem to have enjoyed it!’
“It’s funny, I think Rachel (Brookes, Sky Sports reporter) tried to get a few words out of me after that and I don’t know, my adrenaline was still really high. I’m surprised I’m still awake but some caffeine before qualy got me through it, so I will sleep well tonight, “he concluded.