Inductees
Colin Chapman
Colin Chapman
Stats
Category: At Large
CLASS OF: 1997
Official Nomination Bio

Colin Chapman introduced current European Formula One technology to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and almost won the 500 on his first attempt. Inspired while a spectator at the 1962 Indianapolis race (at the invitation of Dan Gurney), Chapman returned in 1963 with a lightweight rear-engine Lotus powered by a Ford engine and placed second with World Champion Jim Clark driving. The duo captured the pole and the race a year later, leading 190 of the 200 laps for the first 500 victory ever by a rear-engine car. Chapman's tenure at Indianapolis was relatively short but his influence was immeasurable and far reaching.

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