American Richie Hearn, winner of the Toyota Atlantic series of 1995, moved to premier level of American open wheel racing in 1996, driving for John Della Penna in both the IRL and Champ Car series. He won an IRL race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 1996. Hearn moved full-time into Champ Car in 1997 for Della Penna, driving the Lola T97 sponsored by Ralphs, a supermarket chain in Southern California. Hearn failed to score any significant results, finishing twice in 9th position and collecting 10 points.
| Season | Series | Event |
| 1997 | CART PPG World Series | |
| Driver | No. | Entrant |
| Richie Hearn | 21 | Della Penna Motorsports |
| Chassis | Engine | Car Name |
| Lola T97/00 | Ford XD | Ralph’s / Food 4 Less |
| Scale | Manufacturer | Collection |
| 1:64 | Hot Wheels | 1998 Preview Edition |
| Cat. No. | Quality | Rarity |
| 19118-0910 G1 | 
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