Notebook: Buddy Lazier American Red Cross Die Cast IndyCar

A very special, one-of-a-kind (well, actually two of a kind) autographed die-cast replica of Buddy Lazier’s American Red Cross IndyCar is now up for auction on eBay. Model builder Eric Hensley has reproduced, in stunning detail, the Panther Racing Dallara car driven by Lazier in the September 11, 2005 race at Chicagoland Speedway. Proceeds of the auction will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Here’s a direct link: Buddy Lazier American Red Cross Die Cast IndyCar

The auction listing includes additional photos of the die-cast, the original car, Buddy Lazier, builder Eric Hensley, and a consent form from the American Red Cross. If you collect die-cast cars, this is an opportunity to obtain a rare, collectible car and help a very worthwhile charity at the same time… don’t miss it!

You are bidding on a one-of-a-kind racing collectible. This is the only 1/18th-scale die cast model available for sale of Panther Racing and Buddy Lazier’s American Red Cross/Hurricane Katrina/Pennzoil Dallara that was raced at the Chicagoland Speedway on September 11th, 2005, in the Peak Anti-Freeze Indy 300. Made by model builder Eric Hensley, who boasts a personal self-made collection of more than 500 model race cars, this model was made within three days of the paint scheme being introduced to the public on Panther Racing’s website. Hensley brought this car to the race in which this car ran and had Buddy Lazier sign it. Then, Hensley graciously offered it to us to put up for auction for charity benefits.

Hensley took a Greenlight Tomas Scheckter Pennzoil Dallara and converted it to the American Red Cross/Hurricane Katrina car you see in this auction. The detail is unbelievable. Photos of the original paint scheme on paper, the Hurricane Katrina logo made special for the Panther Racing cars, the actual car itself, and the diecast are all available for viewing below.

At this time, Panther Racing, Greenlight, and Eric Hensley have no plans for a line of these cars to be made available to the public. Only two exist, and Mr. Hensley is keeping one of them locked in his basement.

All proceeds of this sale will go to the American Red Cross to help those needing aid and relief from the recent hurricanes in the gulf region. A photo of the consent letter from the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis for us to use this auction to solicit money on their behalf is also posted below.

Special thanks to the photo staff at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League for their great photography work. Also, thanks to the RPM Design Corp. and Rob McEwen for the design of the car and their creation of the commemorative Katrina logo for Panther Racing.

Finally, thanks to Eric Hensley for being a dedicated fan, and for all his hard work on this car.

Upon completion of the auction, seller will contact buyer with instructions for payment. Buyer is responsible for shipping costs. Upon receipt of payment, Panther Racing will then submit a check to the American Red Cross, as outlined in the consent letter, for the amount of the auction minus eBay seller fees and expenses.