Former Formula One racer Max Chilton aiming to become fifth Brit to win the Indy 500
Ex-Marussia driver is set to take part in the historic race in Indianapolis for the first time in his career this weekend
MAX CHILTON is looking to make history by becoming only the fifth Brit to win the Indy 500 this weekend.
The former Formula One driver is trying is luck in the States and will take part in the historic race for the first time in his career.
Chilton, who was part of the Marussia team between 2012 and 2014, has spent the past three weeks camping at the track in Indianapolis swatting up on the oval track.
And he says he is planning a special tribute on his crash helmet for the four previous British winners.
He said: "It would be great to win it. It is the 100th Indy 500 race.
"Dan Wheldon won it in the 100th anniversary of the event in 2011, but they skipped a few years because of the wars, so this is the 100th race.
"It is incredible looking back that we have had so few British winners.
";I have had a special crash helmet made for the race with the four previous British winners on it.
"It has Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Dario Franchitti and Dan all a painted on it. It would be great to win and the best thing is you never know.
"You could be running 15th with a 10 laps to go and then come through the filed. You just have to be in it to win it."
Chilton has made a steady start to his Indycar career since changing codes and looking forward to his first taste of the 500.
He added: "This races is normally the same weekend as the Monaco GP and usually I would be getting ready to go and party at the Amber Lounge party while the race was on.
"But this is an amazing event. I have been to the museum and it is amazing to see all the history.
"It is sold out for the race, over 300,000 people, and over 500,000 will attend over the whole weekend.
"There are live bands playing; people who have drunk too much - it is like a festival. It is a great experience.
"As for the race itself. It is a 500 mile race but over in two and a half hours. You are averaging around 220-230 mph. You cannot picture the speed until you are here."
Chilton, 25, has been getting extra help from Franchitti, who has won the Indy 500 three times since he too turned his back on F1 to move to the States.
He said: "Dario has helped me out a lot. When teams were looking to sign me, he met me and gave me his number and said 'if you need to know about oval racetracks, then let me know'.
"Since he crashed and retired, he has been at the races helping the Ganassi drivers and now he is helping me.
"He has been on my stand and listening to everything I say and giving me some great feedback."