McLaren earmarks Norris for Velocity heritage event

©GoodwoodFOS

McLaren Racing is sending its big guns – cars and drivers – to next month’s Velocity Invitational heritage event that will take place at Sonoma Raceway in northern California.

The three-day motorsports and lifestyle extravaganza which will enjoy its fourth edition this year is dedicated to celebrating the finest of vintage motorsport, showcasing extraordinary and historical racing machines.

The event is known for its impressive lineup of curated cars from the highest echelons of racing and manufacturers, including Formula 1, Can-Am, Le Mans, and IndyCar.

As part of McLaren’s 60th anniversary celebrations, team papaya will enjoy a prominent presence at Sonoma from November 10-12.

Read also: Special guest rounds off McLaren's test in Barcelona

Its driver lineup will include IndyCar’s Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi, David Malukas and Tony Kanaan, F1’s Lando Norris, McLaren Extreme E driver Tanner Foust and of course the boss himself, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.

McLaren’s equally impressive array of cars will feature nine machines representing significant moments in McLaren and racing history, from world championships to key turning points in technical innovation.

©VelocityInvitational

Among the stunning pieces of McLaren history that will take to the track will be Niki Lauda’s 1984 championship winning MP4/2-1 and Lewis Hamilton’s MP4/23A-05, the car the Briton drove to his first World Championship in 2008.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Velocity Invitational and add to the ever-growing list of fantastic cars, drivers and collectors participating,” commented Zak Brown.

“It is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the iconic machines that McLaren has produced throughout its history, and what better way to continue our 60th anniversary celebration by delivering our largest collection of cars yet.

“We can’t wait for our exciting driver lineup to bring these cars to life.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.