Back in May, IndyCar driver Colton Herta gave his father, former IndyCar driver Bryan Herta, an incredible touching birthday gift—his old Laguna Seca-winning IndyCar. It wasn’t a replica, it was the real deal, the numbers-matching Reynard Ford Cosworth race car. Bryan Herta surprised his son with a new livery for his Andretti Motorsports Honda number 26.
Colton Herta will use his dad’s livery during this year’s Monterey grand prix at Laguna Seca on the September 10, the 25th anniversary of Bryan Herta’s win at the same legendary circuit. The old black, yellow, and white livery will be appreciated by longtime fans.
“That is sick, wow,” said the youngest Herta in a video by Andretti Motorsport, after seeing his car wrapped in his father’s race-winning livery for the first time. It isn’t an exact replica, as it isn’t possible to use all of the same sponsors from 1998, but it’s close enough to be instantly recognizable. “I think it looks better,” Colton Herta joked to his father.
It isn’t just Colton Herta’s car that will look like his father’s. The youngest Herta, along with his car and racing suit, will pay tribute to that worn by his father on the podium at Monterey in 1993.
Both Hertas have two wins each at Laguna Seca, so this year’s Monterey grand prix could act as a tie-breaker. If Colton Herta can snag his third win at the iconic circuit, he’ll officially one-up his father, while wearing the same livery. As a father myself, it’s hard to not get emotional about such an incredibly touching moment, regardless of whether Colton Herta wins. However, if he does win—and a son breaks his father’s racing record while paying tribute to him—it will likely become one of the most special moments in recent IndyCar history.
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