Palou to carry throwback 'Lightning Bolt' livery for IndyCar finale at Laguna Seca

History will play a big part in Chip Ganassi Racing’s visit to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca next week for the IndyCar season finale as it will farewell Scott Dixon, its most tenured driver, and welcome back its longest-serving livery as Alex Palou carries the 'Lightning Bolt' design on the No. 10 Honda that Dixon and many others used during Target’s sponsorship of the team for more than 30 years.

The Laguna Seca track will also pay tribute to the late Alex Zanardi next week with a dedication ceremony and the renaming of its famous Corkscrew to the 'Zanardi Corkscrew' in honor of the Italian’s legendary pass on Bryan Herta 30 years ago, which resulted in the race win while carrying the red, yellow, and black Lightning Bolt livery.

"I'm so excited to get the lightning bolt back on our car,” Palou said. “We're racing in memory of Alex Zanardi. We're racing at Laguna, his place, his corner. And on top of that, it's the 30th anniversary of CGR’s and Honda's first IndyCar championship. So, we're putting everything together for the fans, for ourselves as well. And hopefully it's a great race for the No. 10 DHL car.”

Palou’s tribute colors will feature a much greater amount of yellow than the largely red Target cars, but the shift comes in deference to the car’s primary sponsor.

“We are honored to celebrate Alex Zanardi’s legacy, a true motorsports legend whose determination, passion and ‘can-do’ spirit embody the same values that drive our employees every day. Laguna Seca is especially meaningful as we celebrate 15 years in IndyCar and an incredible season with Alex Palou,” said DHL CEO Greg Hewitt.

“It’s a fitting way to honor Zanardi’s legacy while celebrating the winning spirit that makes this such a special moment for DHL and Chip Ganassi Racing.”