INDYCAR silly season 2015

cossy wants a return to indycar ... that's something good to start the thread with.

Cosworth partners with IndyCar, claims more progress toward engine supply

yeah i know it's the F1 V6, but hey, all they need to do is re-bore it to 2.2 litre ... no sweat 

according to cosworth owner Kevin Kalkhoven

 

 

"We have a Formula 1 V6 design, we have an IndyCar design, and our real issue is not so much our ability to build it as IndyCar's ability to come to terms with a manufacturer," 
"We're in the process of building a new $40 million manufacturing plant in England that will be state-of-the-art, and we have a number of contracts for halo road car and racing engines."

 

Cosworth confirmed in February that IndyCar formed part of its plans to return its core focus to motorsports, and while it has already held initial talks with the series, any program would require it to be partnered with an engine manufacturer. Cosworth marketing director Tom Buckler said that conversations with potential affiliates are progressing well.

"We're talking actively to two, potentially three, manufacturers at the moment, and we're in the process of setting up some meetings, hopefully around the [Indy] 500, to take that forward," he said. "Technically, we know we can do it. We've done it before, and there's not really a doubt in the mind of Bruce Wood, our technical director, that we could design a race-winning engine.

"The business case, we believe, makes sense. We've done analysis, and the exposure the brand would get – not just from winning the 500, but even running the championship – there's a very positive ROI [return on investment] in that."

meanwhile ...

Chevrolet would welcome Cosworth back to IndyCar

 

Chevrolet IndyCar program manager Chris Berube told Autosport he believes Cosworth would be able to compete equally with Chevrolet and Honda, the only current engine suppliers to the IndyCar series.

“I don’t have any information one way or the other as to what Cosworth’s doing, but there’s no hiding the fact that we would welcome another manufacturer into the series,” Berube told Autosport. “The way the formula is in the series right now, I think they could be competitive.

“This is not a ‘He who spends the most money wins’ scenario. If they have the experience that their name suggests, I think the opportunity to be competitive is there.”

I saw this thread a few days ago and thought it was a little early but... lo and behold:

IndyCar commits to New Orleans race in 2015

http://m.apnews.com/...ntguid=7h8lezIl

At NOLA Motorsports Park, a Barber-esque road course.  No date yet, but the organizers want June.  Of course.  Indycar wants February, one would assume.  That's what Randy Bernard was saying 2 years ago anyway.

Good news! Here's to Road America next and then some ovals.

We tried that on Indycar Racing 2 in the late 90s. It was too crazy to describe.

Good old Papyrus.

Road America.. please? Pretty please

We tried that on Indycar Racing 2 in the late 90s. It was too crazy to describe.

Oi, I remember that.  I think you described the experience perfectly.  For those of you who have not tried it, running IndyCars at Bristol would make as much sense as running them up Pike's Peak (pre-2010), using a standing start.

According to Jenna Fryer, Andretti Sports Marketing will be promoting the New Orleans race.

Jenna Fryer ‏@JennaFryer 23m

Andretti Sports Marketing will promote 2015 #IndyCar race at NOLA

More schedule news: http://www.indystar....alker/10182825/

Dubai (possibly the Autodrome), Brasilia (Autodromo Nelson Piquet), Phoenix, Michigan, Nashville all mentioned as possible venues on the 2015 schedule.

More schedule news: http://www.indystar....alker/10182825/

 

Dubai (possibly the Autodrome), Brasilia (Autodromo Nelson Piquet), Phoenix, Michigan, Nashville all mentioned as possible venues on the 2015 schedule.

No and No

Surfers Paradise and Motegi, yes and yes.

Have they rebuilt the Motegi oval? I knew it had some damage from the tsunami, hence the move to the road circuit in it's final year. Plenty of Japanese road circuits that would make the cut for IndyCar. 

Would like Surfers back. But from the sound of things in Australia in regards to IndyCar, doesn't seem likely. 

Always thought the Durban street circuit used in A1GP was pretty good. But would probably require Scheckter back in the car. And I don't see that occurring either. 

Have they rebuilt the Motegi oval? I knew it had some damage from the tsunami, hence the move to the road circuit in it's final year. Plenty of Japanese road circuits that would make the cut for IndyCar. 

 

Would like Surfers back. But from the sound of things in Australia in regards to IndyCar, doesn't seem likely. 

 

Always thought the Durban street circuit used in A1GP was pretty good. But would probably require Scheckter back in the car. And I don't see that occurring either. 

I would have nominated Singapore, but BE would have kittens...

I would have nominated Singapore, but BE would have kittens...

Just what the world needs; more spawn of Bernie roaming the world. 

How serious is the F1 thing in Mexico City going? Wouldn't mind seeing the series return to the country to the south. But first, I think a second Canuck round is something that is very needed to be put together. 

I like see them go back to Michigan and make it 500 miles. For past few years they been talking about Phoenix but nothing comes out of it. Another one I like see the race back is Kentucky

More schedule news: http://www.indystar....alker/10182825/

 

Dubai (possibly the Autodrome), Brasilia (Autodromo Nelson Piquet), Phoenix, Michigan, Nashville all mentioned as possible venues on the 2015 schedule.

Bring 'em on. The series is still a bit short on venues. OK I'm not sure why Dubai would get the nod over others, but Brazil is a must. Returning to any of those ovals would be nice too.

PS. What's with the 2nd and 3rd irrelevant parts of the article in that link?

no to the middle east, yes to Mexico, Canada, Australia and South America

Have they rebuilt the Motegi oval? I knew it had some damage from the tsunami, hence the move to the road circuit in it's final year. Plenty of Japanese road circuits that would make the cut for IndyCar. 

 

Would like Surfers back. But from the sound of things in Australia in regards to IndyCar, doesn't seem likely. 

 

Always thought the Durban street circuit used in A1GP was pretty good. But would probably require Scheckter back in the car. And I don't see that occurring either. 

Motegi would require Honda support, and I can't see that happening when they already back 2-3 domestic races. Don't really care for more street circuits at this point.

Bring 'em on. The series is still a bit short on venues. OK I'm not sure why Dubai would get the nod over others, but Brazil is a must. Returning to any of those ovals would be nice too.

 

 

Dubai = $$$, same reason F1 is in the Middle East.

Those would be smart moves from event standpoints because the series would make money. But I don't know where the money is coming to pay for the running of the cars?

It's more races(so more money), at a weird part of the year(so possibly harder to get that money) in places faraway(that the sponsors may not like). On the other hand you may see some new drivers that have partial budgets in some cars, but overall I just don't see what it does.

Presumably the increased sanction fee from a race like Dubai would go into higher prize money\increased Leaders Circle payments. As for sponsors, some of the teams already rotate them anyway (and some like DHL have an international presence).

If Honda and Chevy would be joined by Cosworth (with whatever badge), all IndyCar would need is those aero packages to at least appear to be a top-flight championship in stead of a one-make series. The racing's already there, I reckon.

What's wrong with it being a one-make series?  Especially since it is.

Neil

If they went to Mosport and Phoenix I'd think Christmas came early.

What's wrong with it being a one-make series?  Especially since it is.

 

Neil

Formula Nippon clone with ovals isn't compelling enough?

I remember the Champ Car race at Mont Tremblant in 2007, an excellent track I'd like to see back.

It's important to note that the Middle East is a market for the Chevrolet brand.

Would Normand Legault allow another single seater series to run Circuit Gilles Villeneuve? Take his years Canadian GP and mix it with the races NASCAR ran there, and bam! IndyCar in the French speaking part of Canuckistan. 

don't understand why not middle east?

Would Normand Legault allow another single seater series to run Circuit Gilles Villeneuve? Take his years Canadian GP and mix it with the races NASCAR ran there, and bam! IndyCar in the French speaking part of Canuckistan.

They won't support Hinchcliffe in Montreal?

What's wrong with it being a one-make series?  Especially since it is.

 

Neil

It is, indeed. And there's nothing wrong with that. But it appears that IndyCar is trying to be a multi-make series again, by introducing — if they ever get there ;-) — aero packages and a third engine manufacturer.

I'd like to see indycars at Montreal, would Bernard not chuck his toys out of his pram if both indycars and f1 raced there? Ala Austin?

I know COTA is trying to get an IndyCar race on their packed schedule. Sounds like IndyCar is the one failing with that deal. And the little British gentleman hasn't said anything against it. Much like I don't recall him fighting to keep Champ Car out of Montreal. Or even with the Sao Paulo street race and the Interlagoes circuit. 

It's interesting that racing fans tend to determine what's a one-make series by looking at chassis suppliers and not engine manufacturers. Or even tyre companies. 

Gone are the funds of being able to test and develop a car over the course of a season. That was the backbone of the multiple chassis in Indy Car in the past. The aero package is a good thing. But from what I see the engine suppliers don't care whether they are there or not, and in response we see them postponed year after year as nobody wants to fund their development. Heck, at one point in the late 80's-early 90's, CART had seen a few teams making their own chassis (Galles, Truesport, Penske). 

And who'd want the new chassis? Even if you are replacing them every 3-5 years, in a generation or two (or even less), everyone will move towards the most competitive car. Right now the competitive package is the Chevrolet engine. Outside of Andretti (who should be regretting that move, unless there was financial incentives for them), everyone who is winning races is running that motor. Ganassi switched after only two seasons of the DW-12 -Honda combo. 

The Ganassi move was weird, though maybe they signed the switch way early. They weren't exactly **** last year. They're probably worse, on balance, this year? In some ways I'd say Andretti re stronger this year than last. And I've wondered if it's down to engines.

Wasn't the Ganassi move before Honda announced they were switching to a twin-turbo (which was before the series required all engines being twins)? 

Gone are the funds of being able to test and develop a car over the course of a season. That was the backbone of the multiple chassis in Indy Car in the past. The aero package is a good thing. But from what I see the engine suppliers don't care whether they are there or not, and in response we see them postponed year after year as nobody wants to fund their development. Heck, at one point in the late 80's-early 90's, CART had seen a few teams making their own chassis (Galles, Truesport, Penske). 

 

And who'd want the new chassis? Even if you are replacing them every 3-5 years, in a generation or two (or even less), everyone will move towards the most competitive car. Right now the competitive package is the Chevrolet engine. Outside of Andretti (who should be regretting that move, unless there was financial incentives for them), everyone who is winning races is running that motor. Ganassi switched after only two seasons of the DW-12 -Honda combo. 

That's true. Honda needs to up their game, as Chevrolet is getting the wins and championships in the bag ever since 2012.

Last year had some Honda wins and even a championship. And they're 2 for 3 on 500s. So...

Doing the math, and since 2012, it is split 26-16 in favor of Chevrolet. 2013 was an improvement, with 9 wins of the 19 races. But in terms of podiums, Honda leads 62-53 (both averaging 12 full time entries a year). But Chevrolet beats Honda in pole positions with 26 to 16. More equal when looking at the numbers than most think (including myself before doing the math). 

But doing the math, I still look at who has the Chevrolet's. Ganassi and Penske. When two of the Big Three teams are running one engine over another, something from that engine has to be right. 

Edited by HaydenFan, 12 June 2014 - 21:49.

Last year had some Honda wins and even a championship. And they're 2 for 3 on 500s. So...

I was talking about the manufacturers championship, not the engine used by the championship winning driver.

I was talking about the manufacturers championship, not the engine used by the championship winning driver.

Honda seems to have poorer reliability, culminating in 3 blown engines at TMS this year. Hopefully they fix it, because I'd like to see RHR beat Power to another title

They won't support Hinchcliffe in Montreal?

Honda seems to have poorer reliability, culminating in 3 blown engines at TMS this year. Hopefully they fix it, because I'd like to see RHR beat Power to another title

No worries, at the end of the season Power will be leading but for whatever reason he will fail to win the title. 

Eh, I heard the crowd cheering Hinchcliffe at Toronto last year, despite starting 3 laps down with a throttle issue.

No worries, at the end of the season Power will be leading but for whatever reason he will fail to win the title. 

He doesn't crash out on ovals any more though.

 

He doesn't crash out on ovals any more though.

Nah nowadays he speeds in the pitlane.

Nah nowadays he speeds in the pitlane.

Improvement right there!