F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo gets his Earnhardt big bore dream run

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.

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.

Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren with Dale Earnhardt’s 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 23.10.2021. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren with Dale Earnhardt’s 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 23.10.2021. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren drives Dale Earnhardt’s 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 23.10.2021. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren (Centre) and Zak Brown (USA) McLaren Executive Director (Right). 23.10.2021. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
23.10.2021. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Images
The NASCAR style helmet of Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren. 23.10.2021. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore

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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.

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