Fernando Alonso is all set to use the legendary #66 at the 2019 Indianapolis 500, when he tests his luck for the 2nd time with McLaren, in an attempt to claim the coveted 'Triple Crown of Motorsports'.
The reason for using #66 is the association of McLaren with it, as it marks the very first time, that McLaren tasted victory at the brickyard. Mark Donohue, with Team Penske, won the Indianapolis 500 in 1972, while driving a McLaren manufactured M16 race car.
It also marked the very first of 18 total victories (the latest one being in 2018) at the Brickyard for the living legend, Roger Penske.
McLaren has had a successful time at the Indianapolis 500, with the team bagging famed victories both in 1974 and 1976. The team partnered with Andretti Autosport and Honda in 2017, to return to the IMS with Fernando Alonso at the wheel. Alonso used #29 that year.
But the Spaniard had to retire unfortunately, on lap 179, due to an engine failure. After McLaren fell out with engine partner, Honda in 2017, the Woking based team is now contracted to Chevrolet, to power its car in 2019.
Unlike their last entry, McLaren will run as a completely independent team this year with a single driver entry. Rumors also suggest that McLaren is planning to enter a permanent full time team for the complete duration of the IndyCar series, in 2021.
The 2019 Indianapolis 500 is all set to kick-off on May 26th, 09:00 PM of Pakistan Standard Time.
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