Ricciardo gets his Earnhardt big bore dream run

Phillip van Osten 23/10/2021 at 18:5124/10/2021 at 01:37

Daniel Ricciardo completed his first demo run of the weekend at COTA onboard the late Dale Earnhardt's 1984 Chevy Monte Carlo.

The Aussie was all smiles after completing a series of laps at the wheel of a machine once raced by his childhood hero, and which now belongs to McLaren boss Zak Brown.

Earlier this year, Brown challenged his driver to deliver a podium to McLaren by the end of the 2021, offering a ride onboard Earnhardt's #3 NASCAR Chevy as an incentive.

The Aussie overdelivered when he won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last month, putting McLaren back in the winner's circle for the first time since Brazil in 2012.

We've all got our dream cars, and this is @danielricciardo's! 🥰
His prize for his first podium for @McLarenF1 was a drive in his hero Dale Earnhardt's iconic 1984 Chevrolet, which is now owned by Zak Brown#USGP 🇺🇸 #F1 pic.twitter.com/BT6Wm4XLqt
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 23, 2021

Ahead of this afternoon's US Grand Prix final practice session at the Circuit of the Americas, Ricciardo - sporting a smile even broader than usual - took to the track and manhandled the big bore NASCAR charger, much to his and the crowd's delight.

The run concluded with the Aussie chanting 'yeehaw' as he indulged in the obligatory donuts.

Brown was delighted to see his car hit the track at COTA.

"My car collection is driven by passion for the sport and the famous, iconic drivers, cars and teams," said the McLaren boss.

"I think motor racing is all about sport and entertainment. We’re fortunate to have two drivers that like to have a lot of fun.

"Daniel is a huge Dale Snr fan and it’s a great moment to celebrate Daniel’s victory, give him an opportunity that’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime, great to be able to race together and share our mutual passion for the sport around a ride that is iconic and ultimately to put a show on for the fans."

That's one demo run down for the Honey Badger, and another one to go on Sunday.