The fifth edition of the Velocity Invitational is set to take over Sonoma Raceway this weekend, with a star-studded lineup that includes 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and several marquee drivers from the NTT IndyCar Series. This prestigious historic racing event promises a mix of nostalgia and high-octane action, featuring classic cars piloted by motorsport icons.
After a massive 2023 collaboration between Velocity founder Jeffrey O’Neil and McLaren Racing, where eight McLaren F1 cars from 1969 to 2008 were showcased with drivers like Lando Norris, Tony Kanaan, and Zak Brown behind the wheel, this year’s McLaren involvement is scaled back but still significant. Tony Kanaan, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard—in his first official duty with Arrow McLaren IndyCar—will be on track to pilot some of McLaren’s most iconic Indy cars.
“McLaren’s Classic Indy Cars Return”
The trio will take turns driving three privately-owned, turbocharged McLaren Indy cars from the 1970s: the 1974 M16C/D “Black Label”, Johnny Rutherford’s 1975 M16E, and the 1978 M24. These cars are legendary, each representing a key era in McLaren’s motorsport history. Kanaan, who fulfilled a lifelong dream at last year’s event by driving Ayrton Senna’s 1991 championship-winning McLaren MP-4/6, is looking forward to a more relaxed weekend, swapping out the pressure for pure enjoyment.
“I don’t think anything Velocity will do ever again will top that for me,” Kanaan said, referring to driving Senna’s car. “This weekend, I’m just going to enjoy the IndyCars, see old friends, and take it all in.”
“IndyCar Stars and Racing Legends Ready for Action”
Joining Kanaan are other IndyCar talents, including Romain Grosjean from Juncos Hollinger Racing, who will also be taking part in the event. While Grosjean hasn’t been assigned a specific car yet, he’s excited about the opportunity, confident that the event will offer him a “cool ride.”
“I think it’s fantastic that a new U.S. organizer is starting an event like this that are high-end, well organized, at beautiful places,” Grosjean remarked. “It’s not a secret that I love wine and I love cars. It sounds like it’s a great fit.”
The weekend will also feature appearances from rally and drifting stars Travis Pastrana, Scott Speed, and Ryan Tuerck, rounding out an impressive lineup of talent. With a wide array of classic and vintage cars on display and on track, the Velocity Invitational promises to be an unforgettable celebration of motorsport history.
Whether it’s watching historic McLaren Indy cars roar to life or catching a glimpse of some of motorsport’s biggest stars enjoying a more laid-back weekend, the Velocity Invitational is set to offer fans a thrilling mix of nostalgia and excitement.
