McLaren and Alonso revive triumphant #66 for Indy

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Fernando Alonso's McLaren Racing entry for this year's Indy 500 will revive the #66 that emblazoned the manufacturer's winning car at the Brickyard in 1972.

The number has a historic relevance as it brought Penske, Mark Donohue and McLaren their first win at Indianapolis.

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Donohue used #66 in all five of his Indy 500 starts, but only won once, collecting his '72 win after a three-hour race of attrition.

After his impressive debut at Indy in 2017, when he held his own among the front-runners before his Honda engine failed, Alonso returns to the blue-ribbon event in an attempt to put the third and final notch in his coveted 'Triple Crown'.

Alonso's McLaren Racing entry will be partly managed by Carlin Racing, while his Dallara DW12 will be powered by a Chevy engine.

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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.