Second-generation driver Colton Herta will race in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale Sept. 10 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in a car featuring an iconic livery for his family and all open-wheel racing fans.
The livery of Herta’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda fielded by Andretti Autosport with Curb-Agajanian will be a throwback that pays tribute to the Shell-sponsored car his father, Bryan Herta, drove to capture his first INDYCAR SERIES victory in 1998 at Laguna Seca. Colton Herta’s driving suit also will feature the iconic white, black and yellow scheme for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.
“For me, having gotten to do what I love my whole life and now getting to see Colton do it through the Andretti team makes me feel like a very blessed and lucky person,” Andretti Autosport strategist Bryan Herta said. “It’s great to be able to do these amazing, fun things that are really bonding and meaningful to us. I don’t know how else to say it other than I’m fully aware that these experiences are unique in life, and I’m very grateful for it.”
The livery is a bit of payback from Bryan Herta to his son. Colton surprised his dad earlier this year by buying the Laguna Seca-winning race car and presenting it to him as a gift. Bryan Herta won in 1998 and 1999 at Laguna Seca in the machine. Colton Herta also has two career victories, in 2019 and 2021, at the 11-turn, 2.258-mile road course in Monterey, California, that includes the famous “Corkscrew” turn complex.
“My dad and I have a lot of special memories at Laguna Seca,” Colton Herta said. “The Gainbridge throwback livery is a great way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my dad’s win. I’m excited to showcase it in front of our fans in a few weeks.”
Herta and the rest of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will race next in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline on Sunday, Aug. 27 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Live coverage on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network starts at 3:30 p.m. ET.
What a surprise for Colton Herta! 😯
— Andretti Autosport (@FollowAndretti) August 18, 2023
To honor Bryan Herta's first career win at Laguna in 1998, Colton was surprised with a throwback livery that he'll race at Laguna in a few weeks. pic.twitter.com/QYEQx0X4rx