INDYCAR Delays Aero Kits Until 2013

A sample road course Dallara aero kit as shown at Indinapolis this year
Photo: Anne Proffit

The IZOD IndyCar Series has decided on a one-year delay for the introduction of manufacturer-produced aero kits as an alternative for INDYCAR's new safety cell and body produced by Dallara in Italy.  The new generation chassis, however, does remain on target to debut at the start of the 2012 season.

According to CEO Randy Bernard, the series is looking at both long and short term goals.  "It is important that we maintain a high car count next year by ensuring we have cost containment for our teams," he said.  "We must listen to our team owners and try to help.  I'm the biggest advocate of the [alternative] aero kit and I feel this is by far the best decision for our series."

Bernard believes there will be sufficient excitement for Indy car fans with the introduction of new engines and this new chassis.  "We focus on relevancy and technology with engine competition, turbochargers and direct injection among other things."  

Earlier this week 2011 Indianapolis 500 titleholder Dan Wheldon tested the new Dallara safety cell and new Honda 2.2-liter V-6 turbocharged engine on the MId-Ohio Sports Car Course.  It was both the car's and engine's first outing other than in wind tunnels or on dynamometers.  "We are extremely pleased with the results of our first test of the new chassis," Will Phillips, vice president of technology explained.  "Everything performed as we expected in this initial shakedown.  All systems were sorted and checked, and we look forward to our next test."

The IZOD IndyCar Series team owners have been lobbying the sanction to delay alternate aero kits until 2013 as they cope with the costs of new cars and an increased fee base for tires from Firestone next season.  There was a vote, in April, to let Bernard and the entire staff of INDYCAR know the owners' beliefs, with a 15-0 count.  AJ Foyt abstained.

INDYCAR announced the rolling chassis, dubbed the IndyCar Safety Cell, a year ago.  It comes to owners complete less tires, steering wheel and driver seat.  Different body covers have been made for ovals and road/street courses.  The cars' power comes from turbocharged 2.2-liter V-6 direct injection engines produced by Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus.

The engine manufacturers - who have all agreed to purchase a single chassis from Dallara - begin testing in early October with their aligned teams.  Thus far, Chip Ganassi Racing, AJ Foyt Racing and Sam Schmidt Motorsports have signed with Honda.  Team Penske is the anchor for Chevrolet.  No one has a clue who will work with Lotus and which teams comprise the balance of the grouping for any of the engine makers.

Teams are scheduled to receive their first chassis in mid-December.

© 2011 Anne Proffit