Lotus 38
The Lotus 38 is a significant race car in the history of the Indianapolis 500. Here are some key details about the Lotus 38:
Manufacturer: Lotus Year of Manufacture: 1965 Design: The Lotus 38 was designed by Colin Chapman and his team at Lotus. It featured an innovative mid-engined design, which was a departure from the traditional front-engined cars that had dominated the Indianapolis 500.
Driver and Victory: The Lotus 38 was driven by British racing driver Jim Clark. In 1965, Clark piloted the Lotus 38 to victory at the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first driver to win the prestigious race in a mid-engined car. The victory was significant as it showcased the potential of the mid-engined design in IndyCar racing.
Performance: The Lotus 38's superior handling and aerodynamics gave it a competitive advantage over the front-engined cars. It demonstrated exceptional speed and maneuverability on the high-speed oval track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Legacy: The success of the Lotus 38 helped revolutionize the design and engineering of Indy cars. It prompted a shift towards mid-engined configurations, which became the norm in modern IndyCar racing. The Lotus 38 played a crucial role in paving the way for the adoption of more advanced and efficient race car designs.
The Lotus 38 remains an iconic and influential race car in motorsport history. Its victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 1965 marked a turning point in race car design and had a lasting impact on the sport.