CHASSIS 08

Aggressive, provocative, and ultimately fast, Paul Tracy contested 16 seasons in CART with top teams including Penske, Forsythe, Team Green, and in 1995, Newman/Haas Racing. His “checkers or wreckers” driving style meant the cars he drove would either end up in victory lane or in pieces at the back of the hauler, and his year-long stint at the team reflected this no-compromise mentality.

The chassis on offer participated at eight events throughout the 1995 season, including the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Marlboro 500, and Tracy’s second home race, the Molson Indy Vancouver. Two race wins and three 2nd-place finishes highlighted the Canadian’s season. The racecar presented here entered the Miller Genuine Draft 200 at the Milwaukee Mile and started the race in 7th position. Tracy drove a brilliant race, chasing down Al Unser Jr.; after a perfectly executed pit-stop by the Newman/Haas crew, a drag race off pit lane left Tracy in the lead. A battle ensued over the following laps, but the Canadian’s mastery of passing lapped traffic resulted in a spectacular victory.

The chassis further helped secure a 2nd-place finish contesting the Texaco/Havoline 200 at Road America, and it bears the additional honor of participating in the practice days running up to the 79th Indianapolis 500.

THE LOLA T95/00

The T95/00 further refined the aerodynamic and mechanical features over the previous year’s model. Up front, the central section of the front wing rose to meet an extended, needle-like nose, a concept which began development several years prior. Ford-specification cars featured an engine cowl which sat at a lower profile allowing for greater air flow. The car utilized an all-carbon fiber construction with a monocoque tub and double-wishbone suspension connected to inboard springs on all four corners.

To meet the demands of the various disciplines, a high-downforce specification was available for short ovals, road courses, or street circuits. For the superspeedways, alternative suspension geometry was utilized to extend the wheelbase, and low drag wings worked to slice through the air. For a fourth consecutive year, the Newman/Haas crew continued its use of the successful Ford XB engine, a turbocharged, dual-overhead-camshaft V-8.

After its racing career, the car was likely put into service for marketing purposes and currently lacks an engine. Today, this Lola T950/00, chassis number HU 08, features a livery advertising the Texaco/Havoline Grand prix of Houston, an event first run in 1998.