In IndyCar the Word "Innovation" Means Nothing.

The past few decades the Indianapolis 500 has been compared to being as dangerous and thrilling as the old gladiator fights in the Roman Coliseum, and as technologically up-to-date as the NASA Space Program. No one can say that anymore, we all know you cannot say such a thing anymore about the race or the IndyCar Series. Although I will say the racing is still exciting to watch, the technology is still nearly the same as 15 years ago. You don't see people interested in the technical part of racing as you did in the popular days of CART.. The reason is because there is nothing new with the technology in the chassis, and engines. This is where "Innovation" has just took a stand still.

Starting with the fact is if we actually had competition between different chassis makers, it would gain the attention of more fans that want to pay attention to the technology the series has to offer. There is nothing innovative about being a spec series, nothing at all. We learn to things on what is safe, and what is faster to use on the cars by allowing more than one manufacturer in the IndyCar Series. Why do you think the cars got so safe, and continued to be faster up until the Mid-1990's. The reason is simple, they had chassis competition. They didn't have a car that is built just to make more money. The fact is this car might cause the teams to spend more money than originally thought, and I think the people making and designing the cars know this to. There are some obvious obscurities to the Dallara just by taking a quick look of their car itself.

• If you look at the design of the "bumpers" on the back of the DW-12, if there was a decent amount of impact to the rear of the car, the bumper would then be dislodged in the tire. Causing the rubber of the tire to tear up and cause more damage in the rear of the car. It would destroy things like the wing, and practically anything on the back of the car.
• Another thing is that the main chassis' bodywork is wider than the wheel base of the cars. In the past since the wheels stick out first, only the tires would hit the wall causing little if no damage. Now with the DW-12, if the car even just brushes the wall it will destroy bodywork, which would need replacing each time that happens. Also it may cause damage to things such as the suspension, considering those cars are going at speeds in access of 220mph at certain tracks. 

Just those two reasons alone could cause some type of money problems in the near future. That is just my opinion so we'll see as the season roles along. This car has caused way too many proven problems so far though. Dallara has not yet provided any IndyCar team with enough spare parts for each car they race. For teams that have incidents during the race, they may not be able to continue racing due to the fact the they can't replace something like the rear backing plates, or bumpers. This is simply, because the manufacturer of this $500,000 car cannot provide enough spare parts. I would think teams are fumed, just because there are not enough spare parts to run efficiently.

Also I would love to see the rules for the engines opened up a lot. If they want to stop pack racing, and for the cars to run faster, and sound different from each other, this would then solve the problem. I think different types of engines such as allowing diesel engines, V6, and V8 engines, and even manufacturers going to the extreme with V12 engines, would allow for an incredible variety, making IndyCar even more the most diverse racing series in the world. There is nothing innovative about a V6, 750hp engine. Saying this, because BMW had a four cylinder racing engine going over 1000hp in the 1980's. This engine is a huge step back from anything they have used previously. Everyone still practically has the same engines since the rules restrain for trying new things. Some argue that something like this could never happen again, that it's impossible to allow for a variety. It is plausible that we could have this again, I mean look at the American Le Mans Series, and the 24 Hueres du Mans, they currently have all of the engines I just previously mentioned. Allowing new chassis and engines could offer different manufacturers to use their products and ideas to test on the track again, and allow them to be certified to allow use in the real world.

This leads to my next conclusion, the Indianapolis 500, and CART used to allow companies to test their products with cars on the race track for testing. If this product was then approved safe by the AAA through testing at the race tracks, the product could then be used by the public. Companies such as Bardahl, or Cummins used to pour millions in to the series just so they could test their products, and promote them through the IndyCar Series. Now there is none if that. If IndyCar would allow for companies to test and run their products in the IndyCar Series again, I'm sure many companies that deal in making automotive products would then start bringing money to the series. This would directly allow for "Innovation" it would allow for IndyCar to start being the "testing facility" for products, and the promotional tool for many companies. Many companies in return would provides millions of dollars for the IndyCar Series, and would allow to reach out to a larger fan base saying that they mention IndyCar while advertising their products. Even now you see companies such as Bardahl mention they won races such as the Indianapolis 500, even that being over 60 years ago.

These opportunities can be taken and opened up in the IndyCar Series in the near future, this would allow the IndyCar Series to go back where they used to be in technological advances in the automotive world. New ideas and creations would allow new things to change not only the series, but the whole world by affecting everyone. More money, and excitement would allow for more interest in the sport. You will see more diehards than just the casual fan you see now. These are just part of what they could do to restore the "World's Most Diverse Racing Series."

The Incoming 2012 IndyCar Teams.

Here is a preview of all the incoming full time IndyCar teams that will be running in the IndyCar Series in 2012. Some of these teams have never raced in IndyCar before, and some have been in and out of the IndyCar Series the past few years. All teams have some type of historical value behind them unless it's the newly formed Ed Carpenter Racing or Dragon Racing.

• Michael Shank Racing Formed by team owner Michael Shank, and part owner A.J. Allmendinger. Michael Shank Racing has been around in any major racing series since 2004 when they entered their first Grand-Am race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Michael Shank Racing has had pretty good success in the Rolex Series. This year Michael Shank Racing is looking to plant a seed in the IndyCar Series, and will try to find some success as a rookie team. They are looking to form just a one car operation for the first year, to give all the attention they can on their first and only driver. Michael Shank Racing has chosen Lotus as their official engine manufacture. They will be running out of their shop in Pataskala, Ohio, but will be running a separate operation from their Grand-Am Team. 

 My Prediction for Michael Shank Racing in 2012.

I do not think Michael Shank Racing will have the best of success during their 2012 rookie season. If they really are talking to experienced people that have previously worked in the IndyCar Series they might have some type of success. The one car operation will be struggling throughout their first season due to the lack of experience. 

• Rahal/Letterman Racing  Based out of Hilliard, Ohio, Rahal/Letterman Racing is owned and operated by Bobby Rahal. Rahal/Letterman Racing has had quite of bit success running in the IndyCar Series from 1991 to 2008 full time, and running off and on between 2009 to 2011. They even won the IndyCar Series World Title in 1992, and they won the 2004 Indianapolis 500 with Buddy Rice. Bobby Rahal is planning on running two full time entries for the upcoming 2012 IndyCar Season. Rahal/Letterman will powered by Honda in 2012 also. Possible drivers for them either could be Bertrand Baguette, or Jay Howard which have raced for the team in the past. Also Rahal/Letterman has talked to drivers with sponsors already like Paul Tracy. Rahal/Letterman also runs in the ALMS. 

My Prediction for Rahal/Letterman Racing in 2012.

Rahal/Letterman could be IndyCar Series Points Championship contenders if they gain the type of drivers they are looking to sign. With Tom Anderson as president of operations they should have a really good chance in gaining positive results running their first full time cars since 2008. I could even see them winning the Indianapolis 500 for the second time in 2012.

• Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing will run it's first season in the IndyCar Series this upcoming year. This team is owned by Tony George, and Ed Carpenter, which also will be the full time driver for the newly formed race team. They will be sponsored by Fuzzy's Vodka. It looks like Ed Carpenter Racing will be running engines powered by Lotus. They have shown that they will not be playing around in 2012 by hiring Derrick Walker as president of operations, and racing engineer Micheal Cannon. Also Ed Carpenter himself has plenty of experience in the IndyCar Series, even winning a race in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway.

My Prediction for Ed Carpenter Racing in 2012.

Ed Carpenter Racing should see some success in 2012. We'll see how well Ed Carpenter does on road course and street circuits, but with Michael Cannon he should easily finish in the Top 10 at any track. Ed could easily place in the Top 5 on the Points Standings during 2012 with how well everything is going for him.

• Bryan Herta Autosport Bryan Herta Autosport already won the Indianapolis 500 in their first and only start in the IndyCar Series. Owner Bryan Herta has shown he can really run a race team with a small budget. After winning the Indianapolis 500 with the late Dan Wheldon, they already have bragging rights in the IndyCar Series just by running in one race. They should have no problem finding a good sponsor for 2012. Don't forget that Bryan Herta Racing will be running a high powered Lotus engine.

My Prediction for Brain Herta Autosport in 2012.

If this team finds an experienced driver in 2012 they should have a chance of winning more Indianapolis 500's in the future, and will have great season in 2012. With a such a confident owner as Bryan Herta they will be a mainstay in the IndyCar Series not only for next season, but for many years to come.

• Dragon Racing Dragon Racing is owned by Jay Penske, and has ran in the IndyCar Series off and on with drivers like Rafael Matos, and Paul Tracy. With a small chance of gaining a major sponsor they will be struggling to even fund a full-time one car team in 2012. Lately not much info has been released from the team or Jay Penske himself sides that he is looking for sponsors. If Dragon Racing is around in 2012 more than likely they will be running Chevy engines, because of his father, Roger's partnership with Chevy.

My Prediction for Dragon Racing in 2012.

They will struggle next year, because they will be understaffed as in the past, and will have to deal with the hardship of running a car with an inexperienced driver. Dragon Racing will definitely be an underdog next season.

Toronto Pre-Race

Will Power starts from his 21st IndyCar Series pole today, and will more than likely be the best contender for the win. As usual the Target cars are starting up there with Dixon in 2nd, and Franchitti in third. Mike Conway might have a come back race today with the win from starting 4th. Could we see another American win today? We'll see because Graham is starting in 5th! Other impressive qualification runs included Oriol Servia in 6th, and Sebastien Bourdais in 7th.

Honda Indy Toronto Starting Grid.
1. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 59.5771 (106.047)
2. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 59.6646 (105.892)
3. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 59.9000 (105.476)
4. (27) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 59.9326 (105.418)
5. (38) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0463 (105.219)
6. (2) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.3341 (104.717)
7. (19) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Honda, 59.8239 (105.610)
8. (28) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 59.8715 (105.526)
9. (77) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 59.8901 (105.493)
10. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 59.9020 (105.472)
11. (22) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 59.9636 (105.364)
12. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0115 (105.280)
13. (06) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 59.8346 (105.591)
14. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 59.9869 (105.323)
15. (34) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, 59.9389 (105.407)
16. (82) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0149 (105.274)
17. (78) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0806 (105.159)
18. (59) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.1191 (105.091)
19. (5) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.1003 (105.124)
20. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.1542 (105.030)
21. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.3438 (104.700)
22. (4) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.4472 (104.521)
23. (18) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.6226 (104.219)
24. (8) Paul Tracy, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.4524 (104.512)
25. (83) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.6463 (104.178)
26. (24) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.7917 (103.929)

The Proposed Iowa Double-Header for 2012.

As of right now I don't think I like the proposed IndyCar Double-Header that is set for Iowa in 2012. Before I go right into my reasoning, here is a little background info that has been given out about the plan.

The IndyCar Series has proposed a plan to run a night race on a Saturday, and then run a day race during Sunday on that same weekend at Iowa Speedway. From Curt Cavin's article Randy Bernard says "a potential Iowa double-dip would cut down costs for fans, possibly expand TV opportunities and balance the schedule between road and oval courses. The series will run nine races on road/street courses this season and eight on ovals such as Iowa in 2011." Randy Bernard has also discussed the plan with Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron about the idea, and Jauron likes the plan.

 I feel that the first race will be sold out and attended by the most people, but I don't think the second race will get even half as many people in attendance and the TV Ratings will not be as good for the second race. Most people will not be able to stay for both races, many have too much to do with there lives during the weekends. Although there aren't many hotels, this event could turn into a spending fiasco, paying for hotel rooms, food, gas, and tickets. I don't feel that some people are willing to spend a ton of money right now. As I said I don't think this is a good idea right now, but my opinion on this can change.

Indianapolis 500 Recap

I know this last weekend was full of great racing with F1 at Monaco, Nascar at Charlotte, but I think the good old Indianapolis held up to be the most exciting! The 2011 Indianapolis 500 was probably the most exciting Indy 500 since 1989, when Al Unser Jr. crashed on the last lap, and Emerson Fittipaldi took the lead and won the race. Many events that just continued to happen over the course of the day just made this an exciting race.

Starting with the fact the Penske had no affect on the outcome of the race at all. In fact all Penske drivers finished a lap down, or more. Let's see where they finished Power in 14th, Castroneves in 17th, and Briscoe in 27th. They fouled up on many things for instance when Will Power left the pits on a caution, and lost a tire, so he lost some track positions while having to go back in. Let's face it even IndyCar's powerhouse can have a strenuous Indy 500!  If nothing like that happened at the Indianapolis 500 people would never pay attention to it. I'm sure Roger Penske isn't too happy, and someone will be fired for sure. Also noticing the fact that Andretti Autosport's old team manager Tom Anderson was working for Sam Schmidt Motorsports on Sunday. Andretti Autosport had problems just getting into the race with Mike Conway and Ryan Hunter-Reay not even fast enough to do just that on Bump Day. So Michael Andretti(team owner) that Sunday afternoon decided to make a deal, and  buy Bruno Junqueira's ride. Even with all the trouble Danica Patrick ended up leading some laps near the end of the Indy 500.

With a couple of the biggest teams going down the hill for this years Indy 500 lets talk Ganassi. As usual they are expected to dominate the Indy 500, and yes they did for the most part. They led 141 laps as a team, but could not market off of anything with a bad fuel strategy for the race with Dario Franchitti having to go in for a pit stop with just a couple laps left of the race. Where did they finish? Rahal- 3rd, Dixon 5th, Franchitti 12th, and Kimball(R) 13th.

Out of all the race teams up near the front all season I've noticed that Newman/Haas might actually have caught to Penske and Ganassi. Oriol Servia led a couple laps and stayed up near the front all day, and was even a threat during qualifying for the Pole Position. He ended up finishing 6th for the Indy 500. Servia is also third in the 2011 IndyCar Series Point Standings, only 44 points behind leader Will Power.

Simona signing autographs with her burnt hands. From:http://www.speedtv.com/

Simona de Silvestro of HVM Racing has proven herself to hold up to her new nickname the "Swiss Missile" during the race. On Thursday May 19th, she hit the wall on turn three and flipped over going into turn four. She suffered from second degree burns on her left hand and third degree burns on her right hands. Even after all that she got back into the car and qualified 24th with burns on her hands. She survived the first couple laps of the race, but ended up brushing the wall on lap 3 and tearing up part of her suspension. She continued to stay in the race up until about lap 40, but could not continue with her car tore up.

What happened at the very last lap of the Indy 500 was what really blew everybody's mind. When J.R. Hildebrand(R) leading the race hit the wall on turn four, allowing Dan Wheldon to pass him for his second Indianapolis 500 win. What happened to Hildebrand? His spotter said that Wheldon was close enough to pass him so Hildebrand went up into the marbles to pass Charlie Kimball. Going up into the marbles is what caused Hildebrand to loosed traction and finish second after hitting the wall. Hildebrand will be thinking about this the rest of his life, but it was his spotter's call to send him up there and crash. Wheldon was nowhere close enough to attempt to pass Hildebrand for the lead. 

Team owner Bryan Herta with race winner Dan Wheldon.

Dan Wheldon's win without a doubt was a huge one with this being the only planned race for him this year. Will they race any more races in 2011? Well Bryan Herta thinks so, but at the moment he is not sure which ones. This summer they are supposedly set to be the team to test the 2012 Dallara IndyCar. Herta even said the prize money is enough to run the rest of the season, but originally had planned to start up in 2012 when the new cars come out. Well let's wait and see maybe William Rast will come back as the teams main sponsor for the season.