Top 10 Alex Zanardi's Most Memorable Moments in CART

Описание: Alex Zanardi joined Chip Ganassi Racing after multiple stints in Europe (including Formula 1) before trying his hand in the American Open Wheel arena

Chip Ganassi Racing had set a respectable standard in CART, but they were a long ways away from being considered a powerhouse team as they entered 1996. With returning veteran Jimmy Vasser and rookie Alex Zanardi, the team was hopeful that the Reynard-Honda-Firestone package would prevail over the competition

Not only did the team prevail, but you throw in great driving, elite engineering / strategy (Mo Nunn, Tom Anderson, and more), and near flawless equipment (great crew work, nearly flawless engine, etc.), and you get a recipe for a great team

While Zanardi took some time to get up to speed in 1996, he began to establish himself as a threat at just about any track. Vasser would win the championship after a strong start to the season, followed by surgical consistency for the rest of the season

Once 1997 arrived, it became the Alex Zanardi show. His 1998 season to this day is one of the greatest single seasons in IndyCar history. He would become a two-time champion before returning to F1 in 1999

The 1999 F1 season was a disaster, and he would take a year off before deciding to return to CART with Mo Nunn Racing in 2001. The team (and Zanardi) would prove to be lackluster, with no great finishes or moments that matched his time at Ganassi to speak of

A few days after the September 11th attacks, Zanardi and the series went ahead with the race at the Eurospeedway in Lausitz (Germany). For most of the race, Zanardi was having one of his strongest runs that season. The team didn't quite get the strategy right, and he had to pit for a splash of fuel with 13 laps to go. Exiting the pits, he lost control of the car, skidded into the racing line, and was hammered by Alex Tagliani. Zanardi would somehow survive the accident thanks to the quick work of the on-track medical team, but it would come at the cost of losing both of his legs

Zanardi's spirit would not fade, and he would settle into a new lifestyle now that his open wheel days were over (he would still race in other smaller scale series). He is still remembered fondly by many of his fans and fellow drivers

Zanardi was involved in a hand cycling accident in June of 2020. There's little known about his condition, but it sounds like he is continuing rehabilitation at his home in Italy (November, 2025)

Zanardi's bravery, skill, and passion will always put him in the top tier lists in IndyCar. Had he continued with Ganassi, his statistics would likely be up there with the Foyts, Mears, and Andrettis of the world

Timestamps
0:00 Number 10
2:49 Number 9
3:54 Number 8
6:16 Number 7
8:47 Number 6
10:11 Number 5
11:35 Number 4
13:30 Number 3
15:20 Number 2
17:46 Number 1

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Addition context (Spoilers)

10) Road America '96 - Not often you see Gil de Ferran this upset, but the Brazilian was not very thrilled with Alex after the opening lap contact

9) Long Beach '97 - Zanardi is credited with introducing donuts into IndyCar

8) Toronto '97 - Zanardi would send hometown hero Greg Moore into the wall, leaving the young Canadian despondent. Zanardi would apologize for the contact

7) Vancouver '96 - After a strong start to the race, Zanardi attempted to lap PJ Jones, only to end up in the fence. Zanardi was furious

6) Cleveland '97 - Zanardi would hunt down Gil de Ferran (including a brave overtake on Juan Fangio II) to win the race

5) Surfers Paradise '97 - Zanardi would make contact with Tracy battling for P1 in the late stages of the race. He would continue

4) Vancouver '97 - After one of his most hectic races, Zanardi would try to un-lap himself by passing Bryan Herta, except his attempt left Herta in the tires and many in the paddock pissed off

3) Toronto '98 - Zanardi would hunt down Michael Andretti and make a great send into T3 to take the lead and the win

2) Lausitz '03 - While not a race moment, this is easily one of the most gratifying moments in IndyCar history, as Zanardi was able to complete his unfinished 13 laps from his terrible day in 2001 to finish the Lausitz race distance and cap off his CART career

1) Laguna Seca '96 - If don't know, now you know... The Pass

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