Valentino Rossi Nearly Joined McLaren for Indy 500 Debut
Racing fans almost got to see MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi take on the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren.
According to Associated Press journalist Jenna Fryer, McLaren CEO Zak Brown had been working on bringing the nine-time two-wheel world champion to compete in next year’s iconic race with Arrow McLaren.
“Now that it didn’t happen, the ‘huge’ Indy 500 one-off entry that Brown was pursuing was…” Fryer wrote on X, sharing a GIF of the Italian superstar.
Known to fans worldwide as “The Doctor,” Rossi is one of the most successful motorcycle racers ever. He dominated MotoGP with seven championships in the premier class alone.
Since hanging up his motorcycle helmet in 2021, Rossi hasn’t exactly been taking it easy. He’s been busy racing cars instead, competing in both the GT World Challenge and the World Endurance Championship. He even tackled the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The switch from two wheels to four isn’t completely surprising – Rossi has always loved cars and has tested Formula 1 machinery multiple times throughout his career.
## Hunter-Reay Steps In for McLaren’s Indy 500 Bid
With Rossi’s deal falling through, Arrow McLaren has secured IndyCar veteran Ryan Hunter-Reay for their Indy 500 lineup instead.
Hunter-Reay, who won the famous race back in 2014, will join a strong team that includes Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard.
Brown had teased fans a few months ago in an IndyStar interview, saying: “We’ve got a trick up our sleeves, and it would be so cool if it happens. This one would be unreal.”
Now we know he was talking about Rossi.
The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24 next year. Last year’s race was won by Alex Palou driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.
For many racing fans, seeing Rossi tackle the Brickyard would have been a dream crossover event. Maybe next time?
