Introduction

There were those that doubted.  There were those that said it couldn’t be done.   There were those that scoffed…

Brickyard, meet Mr. Alesi.  Mr. Alesi, meet the Brickyard.  You’re going to become quite well acquainted with each other over the next couple of weeks, because the Lotus Fan Force United team pulled off what many thought would be impossible, which was firing up a functional racecar for the first day of rookie orientation, for the purpose of setting Jean Alesi and his FP Journe sponsored, Lotus powered, DW12 off on their shared journey towards the glorious event that is the Indianapolis 500. 

As of this past Tuesday morning, the aforementioned DW12 was little more than a bare tub.  When the obviously talented Lotus Fan Force crew, headed up by Brad Brewer, Owen Snyder, and Greg Beck, got down to the business of transforming that bare tub into the beautiful machine that took to the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier today, little time was wasted.  At approximately 10pm, the twin-turbo Lotus was brought to life, prompting a cascade of smiles all around.  By 11pm on Wednesday evening, just shy of 40 hours from their starting point, the Lotus Fan Force machine was transferred to the team’s garage at the Racing Capital of the World and put to bed for the evening, ready for the morning’s final preparations.  A testament to determination indeed.

The beautiful black and gold Dallara began its day on the set-up pad.  Of course, this is where it will spend much of its time over the next fortnight.  As the eager crew scurried around the car, checking, double-checking, and triple-checking every aspect of the hastily prepared car, Jean sat quietly nearby, observing the work as if he was an expectant father.  His game face was on for sure.  This guy is serious.  He’s ready. 

At 11:35am, the engine was fired again.  Gears tested.  Electronics checked.  Telemetry systems go.  Everything looks good.  All involved are satisfied and excited.  For some, this is new territory (Tyce, Chris, Scott, and Jason are experiencing Indianapolis 500 car ownership for the first time).  For others, this is second nature by now---no different than breathing.  There is no hurry.  Patience and diligent preparation will be rewarded.  An hour later, it was off to get fuel.  Then, to the pit lane.  Less than a week from the day that this Indianapolis 500 effort was formed, launching Fan Force United from the world of Indy Lights (Armaan Ebrahim and Emerson Newton John) and creating the Lotus Fan Force United IndyCar team, a racing machine that will be piloted by the legendary Jean Alesi is moments away from rolling onto the surface of the world’s most famous racing facility.  As was said, there were doubters, but no one here is surprised.

The team’s spotters took their positions.  They are accompanied by Armaan and Emerson (eager students, ready to learn).  Jean is going to be joining a distinguished and accomplished group of rookies (Rubens Barrichello, Simon Pagenaud, Bryan Clauson, Josef Newgarden, Wade Cunningham, James Jakes), all of them beginning their quests in search of Indianapolis glory.  At 1:40pm, the Lotus powerplant is spun to life and Jean completes an installation lap.  When Jean rolled his car on to the backstretch, that moment marked the return of Lotus to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The last time a Lotus had graced the racetrack with its indomitable presence was 1969.  Now, 43 years later, Lotus is back.  In the 60’s, Lotus came to Indy with its cars.  This return is as an engine manufacturer.  So in the annals of racing history, let it be forever noted, that it was Jean Alesi, Lotus brand ambassador and Grand Prix legend, together with the Fan Force United racing team, that re-introduced Lotus to its former stomping grounds, and that can be credited with the introduction of the Lotus engine to the Brickyard.  These are part of the little milestones to be celebrated as part of what it means to take part in this event, and as this little team that can defines its own terms for success in their march towards the green flag on May 27^th.      

Naturally, this was an all new experience for Jean.  The fact that he had never before turned a lap in an IndyCar, let alone on an oval, let alone at THE oval, has been well documented.  Laps were turned (not as many as all would have liked, but as many as were expected), and comfort was gained (Jean with his team and the track, and the team with Jean).  This is not only a new experience, but it is a new environment, hastily (though carefully) assembled.  Speed was not the goal on this day.  The formation of a baseline was the goal, and this was accomplished.  All are pleased.  

The head of the Lotus engine program weighed in with his general sentiment, expressing pleasure and pride at what today represented for Lotus, for Jean, and for the Lotus Fan Force team.  He reiterated that with no mechanical issues of any note in conjunction with the laps turned and the speed posted, today’s goals were most definitely achieved.

When asked to weigh in with his thoughts on the events of the past few days, legendary engineer Tim Wardrop reached for Shakespeare, stating “To be, or not to be, that is the question: whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles.”  Interpreting on behalf of Mr. Wardop, this author surmises that he believes that the team has done quite well in the face of a daunting challenge, that the challenge will most certainly continue, and that it will continue to be daunting.  Nevertheless, the challenge will be met.  

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