DeltaWing Development Timeline
August 2008:
Ben Bowlby begins investigating new IndyCar concepts in preparation for the new rules package scheduled for 2012
December 2008:
Bowlby initially comes up with the DeltaWing concept
February 2010:
The DeltaWing is unveiled for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show. In IndyCar form, is forms a new proposal to replace the previous Dallara chassis used since 2003.
July 2010:
IndyCar decides against selecting the DeltaWing as its new car for 2012
September 2010:
Ben Bowlby has his first meeting with American Le Mans Series officials including the man who would go on to become the DeltaWing - Project 56 Managing Partner, Don Panoz.
October 2010:
Ben Bowlby has his first meeting with 24 Hours of Le Mans organisers, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest including club president, Jean-Claude Plassart.
November 2010:
Ben Bowlby had his first meeting with Dan Gurney to discuss the DeltaWing concept and whether All American Racers could build the DeltaWing.
April 2011:
Ben Bowlby had his first meeting with Highcroft Racing's Duncan Dayton at the Long Beach Grand Prix IndyCar/ALMS weekend regarding becoming the entrant for the DeltaWing
June 2011:
The DeltaWing was announced as the recipient of "Garage 56" for the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans.
July 2011:
Drawing office established at All American Racers (AAR) in California
September 2011:
Construction of the DeltaWing commences at AAR.
September 2011:
Michelin announced as first technical partner for the project.
October 2011:
Scale model wind tunnel testing begins at AAR.
November 2011:
Key suppliers including EMCO Gears (gearbox) and Performance Friction (brakes) announced.
January 2012:
The DeltaWing's first engine arrives at All American Racers.
February 2012:
The first Michelin tyres for the DeltaWing arrive in the US.
February 2012:
The full-scale DeltaWing enters the WindShear wind tunnel in Charlotte, NC to correlate the computational fluid dynamics data with actual wind tunnel numbers.
March 2012:
Alex Gurney, Test driver and son of DeltaWing constructor Dan Gurney becomes the first man to test the car at Buttonwillow Raceway in California. Gurney is joined Marino Franchitti at the debut test.
March 2012:
Nissan is announced as OEM technical partner for the Project 56 - DeltaWing assault on this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.
March 2012:
The Nissan DeltaWing makes its public debut with demonstration runs at the 60th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring - the opening round of the 2012 American Le Mans Series and World Endurance Championship.
June 2012:
The Nissan DeltaWing completes the Le Mans Test Day on a single set of tires, needing only to switch to wet weather tires for one rainy lap.
June 2012:
The Nissan DeltaWing makes its race debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Project 56. After running strongly for six hours and 15 minutes, the car is pushed off the road by a Toyota prototype. Driver Satoshi Motoyama gains adoration of fans and onlookers alike as he tries to repair the car, but not enough for the car to avoid retirement.
September 2012:
Nissan DeltaWing is confirmed for its North American race debut at the Petit Le Mans, the final round of the 2012 American Le Mans Series season.
October 2012:
Petit Le Mans does not begin as planned, when a Porsche Cup car collided with the Nissan DeltaWing that pitched it into a barrel roll. The crew works overnight to make repairs and get the car running once again.
October 2012:
With drivers Gunnar Jeannette and Lucas Ordonez, the Nissan DeltaWing finishes a remarkable fifth place overall after starting last in the 42-car field at Petit Le Mans. The original goal was to finish, but the goal was far exceeded.
March 2013:
DeltaWing Racing Cars confirms its participation in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida, its first race in the premier LMP1 category. Drivers for Sebring are announced as Olivier Pla and Andy Meyrick. Bridgestone confirmed as new tire partner, and the car will race with a striking new chrome livery .