Race and classic pictures

Daly and the US Air Force roll out 'the right stuff' for Indy

Ed Carpenter Racing unveiled the striking livery of Conor Daly's #47 U.S. Air Force entry for this summer's Indy 500, which pays tribute to one of the USAF's most iconic aircraft, the Bell X-1.

Flying the Bell X-1, U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles “Chuck” Yeager became the first pilot to break the sound barrier, a feat depicted in the epic 1983 historical drama film 'The Right Stuff'.

The Bell X-1 was painted bright orange so it could be seen in test flights and named "Glamorous Glennis" by Yeager as a tribute to his wife.

But Conor's #47 also bears a special double significance as the U.S. Air Force was officially founded on September 18, while Yeager's sound barrier explouit was achieved less than amonth later, on October 14, 1947.

"It’s incredible to once again drive an iconic livery at the Indy 500," said Daly.

"The U.S. Air Force does an unbelievable job paying respect to the history of the fighter jet and honoring the accomplishments of those who have served and are currently serving.

"This is such an exciting car, there’s so much that went into both the design and the number 47 that we’ll be representing.

"I can’t wait to drive the Indy car version of Glamorous Glennis and hopefully make Chuck Yeager himself proud!”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.