The McLaren Hypercar Team will commence on-track testing of the MCL-HY in May 2026, a program that will support the simultaneous development of both the race car and its track car counterpart ahead of McLaren's WEC debut in 2027.
For the 2026 test program, McLaren Hypercar Team works driver Mikkel Jensen will be supported by McLaren Driver Development Program (DDP) drivers Gregoire Saucy and Richard Verschoor. In addition, United Autosports driver Ben Hanley will bring his valuable development experience to the team.
Built to the ACO / IMSA LMDh regulations, the MCL-HY combines lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis construction with exceptional balance. Power comes from a twin‑turbocharged V6 race engine paired with a hybrid MGU system, delivering up to 520kW (707PS) to the driven rear axle. With a minimum weight of 1,030kg and a highly efficient power‑to‑weight ratio, the MCL‑HY has been developed to balance outright performance with endurance racing efficiency, designed to operate at the very highest level of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the demanding 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The MCL-HY GTR track car variant represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive. Engineered in parallel with the race car, the track car variant has been deliberately developed without the FIA Hypercar's mandated LMDh hybrid system and is powered purely by the 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged racing engine, resulting in a lower dry weight while also developing 730PS. This decision ensures that clients benefit from a purer driving experience on track days, one that delivers authentic Hypercar performance and feel without additional complexity, and a simpler ownership model that prioritizes accessibility above all else.
Ownership of the MCL-HY GTR extends far beyond the car itself. McLaren Automotive has developed an exclusive program offering unprecedented access to McLaren Racing's World Endurance Championship operation. Project: Endurance will immerse clients in the team's journey, from testing and development, through to competingatf the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Inclusive of this, MCL-HY GTR owners will also take part in a two-year, six-event track driving program curated across premier international circuits, which includes opportunities to drive their car on PURE McLaren track events. Each client will benefit from professional driver coaching, a dedicated pit crew and race engineering support, participating on a fully inclusive arrive-and-drive basis. Deliveries of the McLaren MCL-HY GTR track car are to begin toward the end of 2027.
(Chip Ganassi Racing)
Champion. Fighter. Friend.
Alex Zanardi was relentless in pursuit, fearless in spirit, and unmatched in heart.
His legacy reached far beyond the track as an inspiration to many.
To us, he was family.
Rest in peace, Alex.
-Chip Ganassi Racing
(IMS)
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X – America's hypercar and the quickest production car in America – will lead the field to the green flag for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this pace car design reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re headed,” Chevrolet Global Executive Design Director Phil Zak said. “Every element – from the badging to the colors – were deliberately crafted to honor this milestone while expressing a forward‑looking vision of Chevrolet design.”
Designed in tandem with the Stars and Steel Collection, the Pace Car features the stars‑and‑stripes decals running across the car. This exclusive ZR1X was custom painted, appearing Arctic White from the driver side and Admiral Blue from the opposite profile. Every detail was considered, including the painted striping running down the ZR1X’s carbon fiber spine on the rear hatch. Inside, Santorini Blue seats are paired with red accent seat belts and red stitched floor mats for a cohesive, performance‑driven interior. Indiana University Head Football Coach Curt Cignetti, in celebration of IU Football’s undefeated National Championship season, has been named honorary Pace Car driver and will pace the field of 33 drivers in the Corvette ZR1X to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Just a reminder: The Corvette ZR1X delivers 1,250HP across all four wheels, combining a 186HP electric motor on the front axle with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 putting 1,064HP to the rear wheels. For Pace Car duty, the ZR1X is equipped with the Carbon Aero package, including dive planes on the front bumper, underbody aero strakes and the rear wing, which creates more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. The Corvette ZR1X is capable of zero to 60 mph in under 2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 233 mph, approaching speeds seen by race cars in the field.
(IMS)
Editor's Note: This is our dearly departed billboard, which we had at Road America for several years. Peter gifted the phrase "America's National Park of Speed" to the track, which now uses it proudly in all of its communications. -WG
Editor's Note: Click on "Next 1 Entries" at the bottom of this page to see previous issues. - WG
