Description:

1997 Lola T97-20 Indy Lights chassis #HU36 for sale. The T97/20 chassis ran 1997 – 2001 during the prime of Indycar and served as the final stepping-stone for aspiring drivers before landing (hopefully) a full Indycar ride. The stout carbon Lola chassis and reliable 4.2L V6 motor were combined into a safe yet economical package and those characteristics make it a fantastic vintage car today. As a result there is sufficient T97/20s racing (usually in iconic liveries) to ensure that race weekends are fun and competitive. An active US Monoposto group coordinates events. Excitingly, the 2024 update to the FIA International Sporting Code means that the T97/20 now also qualifies for a Historic Technical Passport and can be entered into FIA historic events globally.

Chassis #36 was originally purchased by Team Green and still wears the iconic Number 26 Kool Green livery, just as it did when Dario Franchitti and Paul Tracy were driving the big cars. By definition it is the Koolest car at every event, and included in the purchase is a collection of Kool racing items (marketing books, clothing, water bottles, posters, watches, and even an ancient and no longer necessary laptop that’s still very Kool). This car is a consistent front-runner and has won events at most major US tracks including a SVRA Gold Helmet at the Circuit of the Americas. It has done 1.44 laps at VIR, 1.43 at Watkins Glen and 2.05 at COTA. The car is welcome at SVRA, VARA, HSR and other series and events or private track days.

The car has always been professionally maintained by race prep shops and has been regularly upgraded and raced. No expense has been spared to ensure reliability and safety. As well as an included general spares package the car is offered with two motors, #12 (installed) and #19, with an upgraded Life ECU. The 420hp 4.2 liter V6 engines are reliable and were designed to maximize time between rebuilds. The large displacement motor provides a wall of torque – there are very few cars that come off a slow corner better. Operating costs are surprisingly low for a fast formula car and it can be run by a single race mechanic or competent owner. The tub is wide and fits any driver. The car self-starts and does not require specialized fuel, starting equipment or pickling after events. Transmission is a traditional H-pattern with heavy-duty internals and the car comes with a large selection of gear ratios. Parts and expertise are readily available in both the US and the UK. Chassis #36 has a modern AIM data system and Smartycam. Supplemental shift lights. Optimized Ohlins TTX Shocks. Three sets of wheels. The car is ready to race immediately, everything you need to run it is with the car. Please see attached video of a lap at Road Atlanta

This is a car that will pound most Price on Application race cars into the ground while still leaving the owner’s pocket overflowing with money and eager for the next event. It's also a great way to step up from slower cars to something faster - the chassis and motor are strong and forgiving, the power is sufficient yet not frightening, and the car has no "high strung" handling characteristics. The current owner stepped up from a Sports 2000 and Formula Ford and, without any particular talent, very quickly felt able to explore the new sensation of power and downforce.

Kool #36 provides an excellent opportunity to buy a great race car with the change of the FIA regulations also providing the potential for capital gain. Please reach out with any specific or technical questions. 

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