Throwback Weekend at Darlington has become a beloved tradition in NASCAR, allowing teams to pay homage to iconic cars and memorable seasons. This year, Wood Brothers Racing and driver Josh Berry are drawing inspiration from an unexpected source—the 1965 Indianapolis 500. Their Ford Mustang will showcase a livery honoring Jim Clark’s historic win in a Lotus, a victory where the Wood Brothers themselves played a crucial role.
The 1965 Indy 500 was groundbreaking, marking the first time a rear-engine car claimed victory. The Wood Brothers, known for their NASCAR success, were brought in to serve as the pit crew for the Lotus team. Their innovative approach to pit stops helped Clark complete sub-20 second stops—unheard of at the time—and played a significant part in his dominant performance. For the Wood family, that race remains one of their proudest achievements.
“That event is probably one of the proudest moments in my dad Glen Wood’s and my uncles’ history,” said team co-owner Eddie Wood. He recalled how the Ford and Lotus teams initially worried about working with a NASCAR crew but quickly embraced the Wood Brothers’ expertise.
The idea of honoring this moment with a throwback livery had been considered for some time, according to Wood Brothers President Jon Wood. Initially, the team wanted to run the design during the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the plan never materialized. With 2024 marking the team’s 75th anniversary and the 60th anniversary of Clark’s win approaching, this year’s Darlington event felt like the perfect occasion.
While some questioned whether an open-wheel tribute fit Darlington’s NASCAR focus, Jon Wood saw it differently. “Darlington is about celebrating the entire history of motorsports,” he explained. “It’s a chance to recognize all racing disciplines and connect with international motorsports history.”
Securing the rights to the iconic Lotus livery wasn’t easy. Jon Wood worked with Matt Anderson from the Henry Ford Museum, who connected him with Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman. Despite initial communication challenges, Chapman eventually gave his approval, allowing the tribute to move forward.
For Josh Berry, this tribute is an exciting opportunity to highlight the sport’s history. “Throwback Weekend lets us tell incredible stories like this one,” Berry said. “It’s a way to honor those who paved the way and remind everyone how we got here.”
