April 30, 2008

Dear Tony, it's about those new IndyCar rules...

By Peter M. De Lorenzo

Detroit. As you read this, teams of people are feverishly considering a new rules package for the IRL's IndyCar Series, and I can't think of a more crucial set of racing rules in the offing than the ones under consideration at this very moment. Now that Tony George, the head of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League, has gotten major league open-wheel racing back on the same page, he will find that mapping its future will be at least as challenging, if not more so.

I'm going to outline my priorities as I see them for the future IndyCar Series rules, because since this debate is ongoing, now is the time to talk about it.

1. The overall guiding direction. The new IndyCar Series rules package has to begin with the idea of returning the Indianapolis 500 to the forefront of advancing automotive technology. This idea alone opens up the series to tremendous possibilities. The rules package should encourage innovative thought and the diversity of individual executions. What I'm getting at here is the idea that one day we might just be able to see different approaches to the same set of rules, like once was the norm at The Speedway. There should always be room at Indianapolis for the "blue sky" innovators and dreamers that once roamed Gasoline Alley.

2. Bring back turbocharged engines (and allow other engines too). This is the biggest no-brainer out there right now. Enthusiasts expect to hear the whine of turbos at The Speedway, it's that simple. I wouldn't stop there either. In the renewed spirit of innovation, I would also allow different powertrains too. If a turbo-diesel running on french-fry waste oil shows up, don't discourage it, rather, figure out a way so that it can run. Restore the unpredictability of the first week of May at least, with fresh ideas being unloaded from the transporters. And do everything possible to bring back several different manufacturers to Indy. This "spec" engine business needs to be put to pasture. Let 'em all come in and then figure out how to make it work.

3. Allow for the use of alternative propulsion. No, I'm not suggesting that all cars should be hybrids by any stretch of the imagination, but the rules should allow for that kind of different thought and innovative applications of it, at least.

4. Make the basic car be beautiful. Yes, I know, beauty is in the eye of beholder but when the cars have all the charm and emotional connection of a mechanical pencil, something needs to be done. Perhaps by allowing different approaches to the same basic set of rules you will get the diversity in appearance that I'm looking for, but if not, make sure that what you do end up with at least looks the part. The ex-Champ Car Panoz is light years more racy looking than the IRL car. At least begin with that understanding of things.

It's a brief list but the idea of a pages long, detailed explanation at this point is silly. Using these four simple points as a guideline, I believe the IndyCar Series rules committee would end up with something good. 

Racing enthusiasts want to see Indy return to world-wide prominence. Yes, it still is the greatest single motor race in the world - and by a long shot - but make the new rules focus the world's attention on the innovation going at The Speedway during the month of May too.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway needs to lead again - both in technical thought and application - and in "blue sky" thinking. The sport needs it and the fans are clamoring for it.

Here's hoping to the idea that they don't disappoint us.

Publisher's Note: In our continuing series celebrating the "Golden Era" of American racing history, here is another image from the Ford Racing Archives. - PMD

 
Indianapolis, IN, 1966. Graham Hill from inside Short Chute on his way to victory in the Indianapolis 500.