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Alright, everyone, welcome to Episode #2 of "Tales On Wheels." This one's a gem from my documentary series "The Cars of Val Miletich and Parnelli Jones," which goes hand-in-hand with our coffee table book. Today, we’re diving into the wild tale of the 1968 Lotus 56, the STP Turbine Car #60. If you think your car has a unique engine, wait till you hear about this one.

So, picture this: a car running on a Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine – the kind you’d find in a helicopter. This isn't your grandpa's piston engine; it’s a turbine, making the Lotus 56 sound more like a jet on the racetrack. It was so ahead of its time, it made other cars look like they were still figuring out how to roll downhill.

Jim Dilamarter, who was deeply involved with this project, had some strong feelings about it. He was a die-hard piston engine guy. To Jim, this turbine business was like trying to race a toaster. But because the car was shod in Firestone tires – the same brand he was committed to – he had to back it, even if it felt like betraying his mechanical instincts.

Enter Joe Leonard, the man brave enough to take the wheel. Leonard adapted quickly to the quirks of the turbine engine, achieving speeds that made everyone’s jaws drop. Andy Granatelli, the visionary behind this turbine experiment, saw Leonard’s potential and was set on making history at the Indianapolis 500.

Now, let’s talk about Parnelli Jones. This guy almost clinched victory at the Indy 500 the previous year with a similar turbine car, only to be thwarted by mechanical gremlins. His expertise was crucial in getting the Lotus 56 race-ready. Listening to Parnelli talk about driving this beast gives you a real sense of the thrill – and the sheer chaos – of racing a turbine-powered car.

The 1968 Indianapolis 500 was the moment of truth. Leonard secured pole position, showcasing the Lotus 56’s incredible speed and handling. The car’s advanced aerodynamics and four-wheel drive system gave it a significant advantage, especially in corners where it seemed to defy the laws of physics. Watching it race was like seeing the future unfold in real-time.

Of course, no great story is without its drama. As the race went on, mechanical issues began to rear their ugly heads. Parnelli recalls the nightmare of managing the throttle response – unlike piston engines, the turbine had no compression braking. The brakes became their lifeline, crucial for slowing down both the car and the engine. Without them, stopping was like trying to halt a runaway freight train with a paper clip.

Despite these issues, the Lotus 56 continued to dominate. That is, until disaster struck just a few laps from the finish. A fuel pump failure caused the turbine engine to die, forcing Leonard to retire from the race and hand victory to Bobby Unser. It was a crushing blow, especially for Granatelli, who had poured his heart and soul into this revolutionary car.

But the legacy of the Lotus 56 didn’t end there. This car was a bold experiment in racing technology, challenging the norms and pushing the boundaries. Its innovative design and the lessons learned from its challenges paved the way for future advancements in motorsport. The Lotus 56’s influence is evident in the evolution of racing technology, particularly in aerodynamics and alternative powertrains.

In the years following its debut, the Lotus 56 continued to capture the imagination of racing enthusiasts and historians. Its appearances at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed allowed new generations to appreciate its engineering brilliance and historical significance. Parnelli Jones and other key figures have kept the story alive, ensuring that the Lotus 56’s legacy endures.

The 1968 Lotus 56, the STP Turbine Car #60, stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport. It’s a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that come with pushing the envelope of technology and performance. For those who appreciate the rich tapestry of racing history, the Lotus 56 holds a special place as a pioneer of turbine power and a symbol of racing’s bold, innovative spirit.


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