Lets get the ball rolling with the grid! [Archive]

Hazard

23 Feb 2008, 01:21

JohnSSC

23 Feb 2008, 01:37

As good a guess as any, Hazard, although I daresay the grids will come in closer to 24 - 26 cars.

But boy, it sure is nice to talk about ONE grid for ONE series!

I am actually jazzed about the test at Homestead next week!

Knowlesy

23 Feb 2008, 01:40

Yes, I am buzzing now!

The car count is reckoned to end up at 24, but that is still way better than what we've had for many a year, in either series.

JohnSSC

23 Feb 2008, 01:45

They must be passing out the winter coats in Hades...

Here is hoping that this season generates some excitement and re-generates interest on the part of the fans and the sponsors.

I am still just plain old gobsmacked!

courageous

23 Feb 2008, 02:14

I daresay the grids will come in closer to 24 - 26 cars.

We could name 20 potential race winners as opposed to 20 potential race entries

rush1

23 Feb 2008, 05:05

Hazza

23 Feb 2008, 06:47

Probably the old deal that used to happen, top 26 cars get a seat booked on the flight to Australia (if it goes ahead).

Or just NASCAR style, top what ever race, other guys go home.

f1manoz

23 Feb 2008, 11:58

About time.

Hopefully this will rejuvenate AOWR.

nickyf1

23 Feb 2008, 12:43

wahey! this is amazing, the best news all week. I'm looking foward to this test at Homestead, and i am also looking foward to seeing the Champcar liveries on these dallaras, the forsythe livery should look very good on the dallara. But I do hope they get a better looking chassis. :)

But lets see how this season pans out, then for 09...

duke_toaster

23 Feb 2008, 12:48

I would post my opinion, but as I want a bacon buttie I'll get my shotgun, it's good to see that the clay pidgeon practice I did has come to use.

stradlin21

23 Feb 2008, 13:18

Mario Dominguez is going to be driving for SAMAX Motorsports according to some sources , Curt Cavin mentioned this

JohnSSC

23 Feb 2008, 13:20

Its a great day to be an open wheel fan, isn't it?

I am wondering if some of the partial deals (such as Scheckter's) will stay in play or perhaps expand.

Indy is just going to be too cool this year!

enemy-ace

23 Feb 2008, 14:29

Looks like PCM wants to stay instead of going to the ALMS as some have speculated. They were working on securing Mexican sponsors, hopefully a unified series will help them in that regard.

BootsOntheSide

23 Feb 2008, 20:45

18 cars from the IRL teams plus 12 from ChampCar seems feasible. Rocketsports and Minardi USA might not cross over, but hopefully PCM and the others will. I wouldn't be surprised if Rahal only runs one car, and you have to wonder whether it's worth AGR, Ganassi and Vision running so many cars.

johntt

23 Feb 2008, 22:01

Re. the number of cars, I would place the limit at 33 if possible. Try and make 33 cars as synonymous with Indycar as 43 cars is with Nascar.

Anyone got any ideas of what tracks we'd like to see? Heres mine:
Street: St Pete, Long Beach, Houston, Detroit Belle Isle, Toronto, Cleveland and Surfers Paradise.
Road: Mexico City, Montreal, Portland, Mid-Ohio, Road America, Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca.
Roval: Daytona (Speedweeks event) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway#Indy_Racing_League
Short Oval: Milwaukee and Phoenix
Intermediate Oval: Motegi and Rockingham (UK)
Superspeedway: Indy, Michigan and Fontana.

johntt

24 Feb 2008, 01:21

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65286

Michigan are open to return of Indycar Series.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65284

Cleveland and Houston hope to return.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65285

PCM to run 2 cars.

Fish_Flake

24 Feb 2008, 03:08

First of all, it's great that PCM seems to be committed to open-wheel racing in light of unification. The shortcomings of both series' feeder systems in recent years has been that teams have not been willing to take a chance on young talents because of the costs involved in bringing them up to speed at the next level. Having teams like Pacific Coast Motorsports involved will help to solve that problem.

FPV GTHO

24 Feb 2008, 04:14

Whats happening with Simon Pagenaud?

Xpunk75

24 Feb 2008, 04:42

I was driving home today and saw pigs flying, and I knew that Champ Car and IRL had merged. Happy Days are here again!:)

yamato

24 Feb 2008, 07:30

Whats happening with Simon Pagenaud?

I believe that he has signed on with Creation Autosportif to run in the full LMS schedule in Europe as well as the 24 hours of LM.

NickoGP

24 Feb 2008, 07:57

Re. the number of cars, I would place the limit at 33 if possible. Try and make 33 cars as synonymous with Indycar as 43 cars is with Nascar..

I think 33 will be too many for some of the tracks. Perhaps 23 or 26 (not 24, this is synonymous with F1). If more than that enter, let them run around in qualifying and top 20-whatever start.

Some teams will go by the wayside if they continually fail to qualify, but then it's their job to get better.

cds_uk

24 Feb 2008, 09:53

So good that this is all sorted out, now all i need is for Montangy to get the Forsythe seat and then i am 100% happy.

johntt

24 Feb 2008, 11:36

I think 33 will be too many for some of the tracks. Perhaps 23 or 26 (not 24, this is synonymous with F1). If more than that enter, let them run around in qualifying and top 20-whatever start.

Some teams will go by the wayside if they continually fail to qualify, but then it's their job to get better.

Good point, iirc CART had a grid limit of 28, i'd suggest that. Having more entries than grid spaces is always the sign of a healthy championship.

Down F0rce

24 Feb 2008, 11:53

Robby Gordon has threatened to join the new series if his points and cash fine isn't lifted.

http://www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2136456#post2136456

Probably wont happen, but hey - last year he probably would have said he would leave for Grand Am. Open wheel is back in the headlines! ;)

stradlin21

24 Feb 2008, 13:12

yeah, at least people in NASCAR are actually mentioning open wheel again!

but i think this is just one of Gordon's trademark hissy fits

johntt

24 Feb 2008, 14:18

I wouldn't say its impossible that Robby Gordon would return to open-wheel, just very unlikely. Unlike Tony Stewart he can probably still fit in the car...

JohnSSC

24 Feb 2008, 14:31

I would be entertained to see him (Robbie) back as well and yes, "Smoke" might have some issues with his seat fitting into the cockpit these days!

Robbie seems pretty committed to NASCAR though and he is no kid anymore either.

I am curious to see what some of the newer guys on the block can make of this opportunity.

Based on what happened last time anyone talked about "grid limits," I think we should see how may cars we have after the smoke clears...that talk sort of backfired on some folks...

stradlin21

24 Feb 2008, 14:59

fat or not

lets not forget that smoke has results of.....

Shootout - 2nd
Dual - 2nd
Camping World 300 - 1st
Daytona - 3rd

i do believe that's more impressive than Gordon! lol!

stradlin21

24 Feb 2008, 15:00

Based on what happened last time anyone talked about "grid limits," I think we should see how may cars we have after the smoke clears...that talk sort of backfired on some folks...

very correct

JohnSSC

24 Feb 2008, 15:02

Oh, no question about it! Smoke can pedal!

Sodemo

24 Feb 2008, 15:45

Is the calendar going to consist of mainly ovals?

I personally much prefer road courses and street circuits.

stradlin21

24 Feb 2008, 17:19

johntt

24 Feb 2008, 17:53

fat or not

lets not forget that smoke has results of.....

Shootout - 2nd
Dual - 2nd
Camping World 300 - 1st
Daytona - 3rd

i do believe that's more impressive than Gordon! lol!

He's good, and he proves an important point: that fat people like us (or maybe its just me ;) ) can succeed in motorsport!

Fish_Flake

24 Feb 2008, 18:58

Tony Stewart's been working with Jared from Subway. He's definitely in much better shape now than he's been in since he first joined NASCAR. Keep eating those Mesquite-grilled turkey subs, Smoke!

stradlin21

24 Feb 2008, 22:03

correct me if i'm wrong but has Buddy Rice actually been officially announced to drive for DRR?

i don't think he has, i may be wrong

but if he hasn't then what about this

a champ car team coming into the series, no experience with the Dallara, drivers with no oval experience and drivers that aren't used to the IRL road courses

they might be looking for a driver who is a proven winner on ovals, can compete well on the road courses and knows the Dallara inside out?

anyone think that Rice being tabbed by an incoming champ car is likely?

Xpunk75

24 Feb 2008, 23:28

in 2008 it will be lots of ovals

in 2009 there may be more road/street courses but that's not the way it needs to be heading

if you want to see processional road course racing, watch formula 1

the one thing IndyCar has to be very careful of in the future is not to turn into an American version of Formula 1 where we watch a line of cars going round a circuit never overtaking

Excitement has been the key word for IRL since 96 and that's the way it needs to stay

Champ Car nor Indy Car before the split was ever like Formula 1. Road and Street racing has always been exciting for them. Now that the two series have merged the only way for it to be successful is to have both sides of the series happy with the amount of Ovals and Road/Street races. To an even amount is the way to go. It helps the sport be Diverse and show who is truly the most talented driver.

stradlin21

25 Feb 2008, 01:47

yeah, the perfect situation would be oval-non oval-oval-non oval and so on

but i've seen people post schedules with 4 ovals on and 14 road courses

which is a complete joke

Champ Car is dead, this is now King Tony's series and it won't be all non ovals

lnin0

25 Feb 2008, 06:07

What about 10 ovals, 7 road, 4 street and the Indy F1 roval as the season finally...TG needs to put that thing to use and it would give him two races to profit from over the season. Plus the roval is a perfect race for a championship that combines the two disiplines.

The one thing I hope they don't do is the double champions again - one for the road and one for the ovals. The overall is all I want and it would build more drama.

2112

25 Feb 2008, 06:13

BootsOntheSide

25 Feb 2008, 11:21

Ovals should make up at about half of the schedule, as that is increasingly what the US public wants form open-wheel racing. I like the idea of closing the season at Indy, and I don't think it would detract from an oval race there. On the other hand, I doubt the teams can really afford 22 races in the short/medium term.

Stefvh

25 Feb 2008, 12:45

Indy rovals is changed for the MotoGP and won't use any banked curves anymore.

Mystery

25 Feb 2008, 13:26

Red Bulldog

25 Feb 2008, 15:29

Good analysis here from Autosport:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65302
Glad to see Minardi plan to field car(s), I thought they may pull out.

johntt

25 Feb 2008, 15:39

Street: St Pete, Long Beach, Houston, Detroit Belle Isle, Toronto, Cleveland and Surfers Paradise.
Road: Mexico City, Montreal, Portland, Mid-Ohio, Road America, Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca.
Roval: Daytona (Speedweeks event) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway#Indy_Racing_League
Short Oval: Milwaukee and Phoenix
Intermediate Oval: Motegi and Rockingham (UK)
Superspeedway: Indy, Michigan and Fontana.

This is what I posted earlier re. tracks. I was thinking one third oval, one third street and one third road course + a roval.

Red Bulldog

25 Feb 2008, 16:00

I see this "merger" as IRL inviting CC to join them, therefore the tracks will be at least 50% ovals (for this year anyway). Don't see the roval thing flying.

Minicross424

25 Feb 2008, 17:21

Very pleased that the merger has happened.
The only downer for me is that i wont get to see them unless i come to the usa (only just returned from the 500)
Not that the race at zolder was that interesting.
Perhaps a return to rockingham 2009?

Stefvh

25 Feb 2008, 17:49

Conquest is in, with 2 cars, one for Perrera, and the second to be announced.

stradlin21

25 Feb 2008, 19:00

there is a rumour floating round that Milka Duno will drive for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing and share the car with Townsend Bell

Rice would be full time in the other

Cavin also hinted at this

enemy-ace

25 Feb 2008, 23:54

I certainly hope the Milka thing just stays a rumour.
There are plenty of good drivers available, they need not water it down with sub-par talent.

stradlin21

26 Feb 2008, 00:05

same here

Bell and Rice would make a good team for DRR though

Peter Ford

26 Feb 2008, 02:13

I hada a look at both series last night,cart got 10 teams and irl got about 20,so that will be about 30 odd cars in the series,but come sufer's,some could be gone by then.Think i pick the right year to return to surfer's paradise for the lexmark indy 300,cant bloody wait.

rush1

26 Feb 2008, 02:42

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=280697

Bachelart's team will compete in the IRL this year.

climb

26 Feb 2008, 10:35

Good news are summing up, first good effect of the unified series! :)

Down F0rce

26 Feb 2008, 10:58

IndyCar.com says that only 15 cars (IRL teams) will take to the track at the Homestead test today. Surley thats not all the teams from the IRL side? There has to be one or two more full season cars...

http://www.indycar.com/news/2008/homestead/2008_homestead_opentest.pdf

Well I guess it dosen't really matter now since a bunch more teams will be on the grid this season anyway.

Mr Pink

26 Feb 2008, 17:59

There were a couple of (fairly desperate)speculations at a swedish forum of Alx Danielson joining Conquest, what do you guys think of that?

As a swedish motorsport fan and as a Champ Car fan i'd love it if it was true.

mac

27 Feb 2008, 01:08

There is a quote from Blumberg (Conquest co-owner) in Australia's Motorsport News that says something along the lines of them having a contract offer on the table to a driver - and that if it is accepted their second car will have an Australian flavour.

No names are mentioned. Would Pagenaud fit into that category after a season at Team Australia?

stradlin21

27 Feb 2008, 01:44

madman16

27 Feb 2008, 06:58

Party like it's 1995!!!!!!

I don't think you will see 30 cars at any stage this year except Indy of course.

It will be interesting to see how many full timers there are. Maybe some of the pressure will be lifted from the doubtfuls and not run at all.

IMO once it's all ironed out in a year or two, maybe a 16 to 18 race calender would be best. Looking at a 50/50 split between circuit configs. I think some people forget that road and street courses are essentially the same thing. Both turn left and right. So maybe 8 or 9 of each.

I think 2 superspeedways is enough with a mix of smaller ones. I'm not a huge fan of ovals but i always used to like Milwaukee.

Surfers (of course), RA, toronto, Cleveland and St. Pete, Laguna Seca, Portland and Watkins would be a good mix.

climb

27 Feb 2008, 08:11

just a note that AJ Foyt IV has been officially confirmed at Vision Racing alongside Ed Carpenter

a third Vision entry is not out of the question

Indycar.com also has Milka Duno as a Dreyer and Reinbold driver

guess that is no longer just a rumour! http://www.indycar.com/drivers/

Yay! :woot: Already 21 entries before most of ex CC ones!

Apparently the merger has convinced someone to take the final decision to stay in the series

Bob Riebe

27 Feb 2008, 09:40

Party like it's 1995!!!!!!
I think some people forget that road and street courses are essentially the same thing. Both turn left and right. So maybe 8 or 9 of each.
:rofl:
Sorry but that statement is a load of ********, although in this day of FIA inspired go-kart tracks, that saddly may be asininely true one day.

Down F0rce

27 Feb 2008, 10:02

Vitor Meria is in at Pather, sponsored by National Guard and Delphi.

http://www.fastmachines.com//irl/004783.php

Sarah Fisher, Lyn St James and Janet Guthrie look set to form a new team, possibly running in just the oval events but maybe for a full season (I'm assuming Fisher will be the driver).

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/2008-02-26-fisher-team_N.htm (also mentioned in the above link) This link also states that Duno will be doing a partial season with D&R.

Down F0rce

27 Feb 2008, 10:13

Correct first link: http://www.fastmachines.com/archives/irl/004783.php

madman16

27 Feb 2008, 10:37

:rofl:
Sorry but that statement is a load of ********, although in this day of FIA inspired go-kart tracks, that saddly may be asininely true one day.

I agree with what you are saying, but just looking at peoples opinions of what the calender should look like for an oval-dominated series. "8 ovals, 7 road coarses and 5 street coarses". To me, that is 8 ovals and 15 left-right tracks and i don't think that is the kind of balance they are looking for.

Thinking that all three should take pride of place is a mistake. I know there are different kinds of ovals but i still put them in one group too.

Pro Racer

27 Feb 2008, 11:25

well it is looking good a merged series has always been needed.

stradlin21

27 Feb 2008, 13:25

BootsOntheSide

27 Feb 2008, 18:46

stradlin21

27 Feb 2008, 20:40

Duno is on the official test list now

madman16

28 Feb 2008, 01:44

At least Duno isn't wasting a car for an entire season.

7+5 may be 15 to some people, but to me it's 12. I take the overall point though; road courses usually produce more challenging circuits and more exciting races, but street courses are almost-guaranteed a good attendance (albeit mostly people with little or no actual interest in racing). A truly strong series wouldn't need street courses, but we don't have one these days.

Yeah sorry about that. The maths was a bit off:)

I do think there is room for street circuits no matter how successful your series is. The potential of reaching the non-motorsport public and maybe converting a few is always a lure of such an event. With big attendance figures the drivers get to perform in front of a massive crowd and the sponsors are happy and lets face it with out them we got nothing

Dutton

28 Feb 2008, 02:06

I think street races should be limited. There are rare very good ones, with Monaco being an obvious example, but those in North America are often not great due to the nature of the road systems. Toronto is a respectable attempt, though.

I think two street courses would be enough: one European , one North American.

Beyond that focus on going for the most challenging tracks available, but with the proviso that huge safety makeovers are not enacted to accomodate the series. Providing an alternative bit of track for a slowed corner, or something, is ok (provided it leaves the old in tact). If the series cannot accept the safety standard of the track, then it doesn't race there.

I would love to have Mosport on the calendar, but not at the expense of changing what it is.

Hazza

28 Feb 2008, 02:57

What is the european rubbish?

This is meant to be an american series, lets stick to the basics. All American + Canada and maybe Surfers.

madman16

28 Feb 2008, 03:04

I think when it comes to any kind of expansion you have to start with the base and build from there. You should not be forcing your series on other countries but rather wait until they approach you (like Surfers). Make something people want first.

Forced expansion isn't going to help anyone

Dutton

28 Feb 2008, 03:32

I was just meaning that in an ideal thought kind of way.

The immediate task is getting a solid and viable foundation in North America. That much is self-evident.

Down F0rce

28 Feb 2008, 16:08

Wilson to drive the 02 McDonald's Dallara Honda for NHL, Graham Rahal is in too although no number or sponsor is mentioned in this article.

http://www.fosagold.org/F1SA/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6132&Itemid=2

Down F0rce

28 Feb 2008, 16:34

Alex Lloyed to Vison?
Max Papis to Rubicon Racing as a part timer?
Rodger Yasukawa to Beck as a part timer?
Duno to race in 11 races, Townsend Bell to race in the remining ones (I wonder if they will both be at Indy...?), Buddy Rice is a full timer.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/SPORTS0107/802280504/1052/SPORTS01&GID=zO5IXlCsDglsoDFC3QEtNh+NMOvpHCdDWBvmkqGBuA8%3D

Mystery

28 Feb 2008, 17:53

Alex Lloyd to Vision??? Preumsably on loan from Ganassi because I don't see them permanently releasing him. Although of course given that its Vision then it's more or less a general IRL hire-out team in this case.

Rubicon?? New one on me - interesting.

Lovely to see lots of optimism - looking forward to the first race, but hoping to see teams performing well rather than a throw back to the first CC race with the DP01 with cars dropping like lemmings.

Down F0rce

28 Feb 2008, 18:03

Rubicon was a new one on me as well. A quick Google reveals they are co-owned by Jason Priestley and Jim Freudenberg, and already have sponsorship From LifeLock for the Indy 500:

http://www.restrictorplatethis.com/story/2008/2/13/124514/747

madman16

29 Feb 2008, 01:28

On the CC side of things i believe that Forsythe has announced he is out (motorsport.com). What will happen with PT????

Either way in the coming season i think a few drivers will find out how good they really are or aren't. I expect most of the CC guys to stuggle on the ovals however i don't think they will be too far off the pace in the RC. There are a few guys and girl out there that aren't as good as they're made out to be IMO. Not bagging IRL as i believe there is a few on the CC side in the same boat

Stefvh

29 Feb 2008, 01:39

There were good and not-that-good drivers in both series. That's all.

JohnSSC

29 Feb 2008, 11:55

Has anyone else noticed this?

The press releases I am seeing now refer to PKV Racing as: "PK Racing." Is Vasser no longer in the picture? That strikes me as curious, because of Jimmy's oval experieince. I know he is not an engineer and no longer drives, but he would bring some "behind the pit wall" expertise.

Down F0rce

29 Feb 2008, 12:01

I think that may be a typo. The team is going to be called "KV Racing" since Pettit is no longer involved.

JohnSSC

29 Feb 2008, 12:04

No, I believe it was an article I saw on Yahoo Motorsport (UK edition) that specifically noted they will be "PK" Racing rather than PKV.

I thought "typo" as well, initially.

Brickyard

29 Feb 2008, 21:15

Pettit joined forces with Forsythe to form "Forsythe Pettit Racing", right?

But since "Forsythe Pettit Racing" closed it's doors before even starting, and the "P" from the "PKV Racing" is still apearing on the team's logo (http://pkvracing.homestead.com/)and in most of the press articles, should this mean that Pettit might have returned to his former team? I would not be surprised....

mac

29 Feb 2008, 23:12

I'd be very suprised if Vasser has stepped aside given some of his comments in the weeks leading up to the announcement - he was very pro-unification.

madman16

1 Mar 2008, 01:48

Look Out Jimmy, Everywhere Petit has gone lately has closed down. Don't let him back in:)

JohnSSC

1 Mar 2008, 14:25

I am sure it will all sort out sooner, rather than later. It may be in all of the hustle and bustle it was a typo and Down F0rce is correct about PKV actually being "KV" Racing at this point.

Down F0rce

1 Mar 2008, 22:23

Chilean Silver Crown driver to drive in an expanded Foyt line up?

Pablo Donoso, piloto oficial Indy Car 2008 n�mero 41.

http://mvn.com/irl/2008/03/01/aj-foyt-racing-expanding-for-indycar/
http://www.pablodonoso.com/home.php

cos

1 Mar 2008, 23:04

I see Wilson, Rahal and Perera have appeared on the indycar.com drivers page. It also has Lloyd with TCGR, not Vision.

Stefvh

1 Mar 2008, 23:12

Lloyd has been there for a long time, now. Also, things can change.

Down F0rce

1 Mar 2008, 23:25

Lloyd was originally going to run a part time season with Ganassi, then the rumors with Vison emerged. I wonder if there is still a place for him there with PT looking for a ride.

Down F0rce

2 Mar 2008, 13:07

Kevin Harvick wouldn't mind a one off race, it seems.

http://www.amarillo.com/stories/030208/nas_9739019.shtml

Jimmy Magnusson

2 Mar 2008, 13:48

I am sure it will all sort out sooner, rather than later. It may be in all of the hustle and bustle it was a typo and Down F0rce is correct about PKV actually being "KV" Racing at this point.

Correct. KK himself said that the team is now KV Racing at the unification press conference a couple of days ago.

JohnSSC

2 Mar 2008, 14:34

Got it!

Thanks for the clarification, Jimmy!

mp356a

3 Mar 2008, 21:01

I have not read this whole thread but is there any sign of Nelson Phillipe?

cptkablamo

4 Mar 2008, 06:43

I know he was at the test session/announcement in Miami, but beyond that, I would also be interested...

Bring on Round 1!

Down F0rce

4 Mar 2008, 10:32

Allmendinger has lost his ride in NASCAR. Could he make an open wheel return?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65455

Unser II and III at Indy?

http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=10611

climb

4 Mar 2008, 11:07

AJ back in OWR would be great, about he Unsers at Indy, I'd only go for the youngster

JohnSSC

4 Mar 2008, 11:49

Well, AJ is not out the door completely, but he is much closer to the exit than he was...

Mystery

4 Mar 2008, 12:58

madman16

4 Mar 2008, 13:04

Allmendinger has lost his ride in NASCAR.

I don't want to sound mean, but GOOD.

He thought he was bigger than CC, he was a good young OW driver who left to chase the cash, and i take a little bit of enjoyment everytime i see his name in the DNQ list.

However i would like to see him back in OW because despite what i just said he's not that bad and a top flight American in Indycar would really help boost it's profile

Mystery

4 Mar 2008, 17:13

Papis confirmed for a one-off at Indy with Rubicon
http://www.crash.net/motorsport/indycar/news/160421-0/indycar_mad_max_to_drive_rubicon_indy_500_entry.html

Xpunk75

5 Mar 2008, 02:37

I wish that the IRL site would post the Champ Car teams who will be racing 100% this season. So far all they have is NHL and its annoying cause I want to know which teams have made the switch and planning to field 2 cars.

BootsOntheSide

5 Mar 2008, 10:47

Only NHR, Conquest and Walker have really confirmed anything yet. Beyond that, KV (formerly PKV) are very likely, as are Pacific Coast (despite the lack of oval experience making them likely tailenders). Forsythe are gone, Rocketsports look unlikely, Minardi/Wiggins have been very silent.

Mystery

5 Mar 2008, 10:59

Have to agree with that. I've left Rocketsports in purely because of a link I saw via good ol Wikipedia. I wouldn't have put them in at all otherwise.

My first post in this thread said I'd be suprised if Stoddart took Minardi across, but I've left them in here again because of reading an article or two. I'd still have them as doubtful at best.

enemy-ace

5 Mar 2008, 13:04

I for one would really like to see the Minardi team come to IndyCar.
Despite their backmarker status in F1 it is a team that stirs a fair bit of emotion among some fans.

Red Bulldog

5 Mar 2008, 19:10

I for one would really like to see the Minardi team come to IndyCar.
Despite their backmarker status in F1 it is a team that stirs a fair bit of emotion among some fans.
I second that emotion :)

Daisy

5 Mar 2008, 20:11

Is it already clear when the first test where ex-CWS teams can participate will be?

Hazard

5 Mar 2008, 20:17

I for one would really like to see the Minardi team come to IndyCar.
Despite their backmarker status in F1 it is a team that stirs a fair bit of emotion among some fans.

And their 'front-runner' status in Champcar should hopefully be able to converted into something worthwhile.

Mystery

6 Mar 2008, 10:43

Is it already clear when the first test where ex-CWS teams can participate will be?I don't believe there's a bar to them participating now. Other than not necessarily physically having cars.

cos

6 Mar 2008, 11:20

I for one would really like to see the Minardi team come to IndyCar.
Despite their backmarker status in F1 it is a team that stirs a fair bit of emotion among some fans.

There's an article on indycar.com which has the "buddy" pairings between IRL and CC teams intending to compete:

AGR - Coyne
TCGR - KV
RLR - NHLR
Vision - Conquest
Foyt - PCM
Penske - Walker
Roth - Minardi

On that basis Minardi may well be keeping their "backmarker" status...

Down F0rce

6 Mar 2008, 11:46

The former CC teams will be testing thier new Dallara/Honda packages at Homestead, on the 23rd of this month I belive.

Down F0rce

6 Mar 2008, 13:47

This might not be news to everyone, but Roth Racing will be a two car team for the whole season. I thought Howard was a full timer with Roth doing select races, but this is apparantly not the case.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/indycar/news/160473-1/the_shapes_of_roth.html

cos

7 Mar 2008, 13:05

Finnish media is reporting Juho Annala will join Enrique Bernoldi in the merged series.

icemachine

7 Mar 2008, 15:26

Any mention who they will be racing for? I thought Rocketsports was out.

cos

7 Mar 2008, 15:47

Rocketsports indeed...
http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/muutlajit/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/muutlajit/2008/03/620735
http://www.iltasanomat.fi/urheilu/uutinen.asp?id=1497621

Down F0rce

7 Mar 2008, 16:30

Apparantly, AGR has been in contact with PT's personal sponsor, Monster Energy Drink...

http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story/?ID=231430&hubname=auto_racing

It sounds like PT could have a ride with Vision if he so desires, so it looks like we'll be seeing him on the grid this year somewhere...

Mr Pink

7 Mar 2008, 20:12

Sorry if this has been up already but I couldn�t find it anyway: Townsend Bell to do the rounds that Milka Dunno don�t, this means he�ll be doing the Indy 500.

Edit: http://www.crash.net/motorsport/indycar/news/160516-0/bell_tolls_for_limited_schedule.html

icemachine

7 Mar 2008, 21:03

I'll have to get my Gramma to translate those for me - my Finnish language never developed beyond learning what Istua! meant.

Stefvh

10 Mar 2008, 00:36

No Walker Racing,

http://www.walkerracing.com/media/display.php?id=417&lang=en

Teretonga

10 Mar 2008, 05:00

Racer
Join Date: Nov 2007
Belgium

Posts: 158

No Walker Racing

Why doesn't this surprise me at all......
When WPS suddenly pulled out of V8 Supercar something was afoot in Australia and now the whole Indy program is dead....

mac

10 Mar 2008, 05:26

Terrible news.

Gore didn't come through with the money?

There have been reports in the Australian press that KV Racing has been after Power...

I have also read a quote from Blumberg that Conquest's second driver could have an "Australian flavour".

climb

10 Mar 2008, 08:25

Bad news, I just hope Walker find a more reliable partner for 2009

Pro Racer

10 Mar 2008, 10:26

sad news for Walker although i read somewhere Gore wasn't paying his bills and i read in eNews (like mac has said) there have been reports of KV chasing Power hopefully he gets that drive he deserves it.

JohnSSC

10 Mar 2008, 10:58

It is definitely not a good thing that Walker is going to sit it out this season - they seemed to have been the most forward-thinking team as far as being "ready" for unification.

I wonder if Walker is pursuing anything for Indy for this year. Or perhaps drivers with a budget for Indy might be pursuing him...

JamesRamone

10 Mar 2008, 14:36

This merger is becomming a disaster

climb

10 Mar 2008, 14:53

why?
Once you have 26-28 cars on the grid, the number is sufficiently good.

The real success will have to be gaining new entries since 2009; the fact of summing up all or just most of the CC squads is not that relevant IMO.
We know infact that the Unified OWR's main goal is to catch up with Nascar, which means make some Nascar driver/team find it interesting to switch to Indycar.

So only time will tell, not Walker's current troubles surely.

climb

10 Mar 2008, 14:55

.. and , by the way, italiaracing reports that Yasukawa has filed an entry for Motegi, with possibilities to extend to Indy

http://italiaracing.net/notizia.asp?id=18248&cat=3

nobster

10 Mar 2008, 16:24

It is becoming a disaster, still no Robert Doornbos news!!!

Knowlesy

10 Mar 2008, 16:31

This grid is anorexic. It has an obsessive fear of gaining weight and is throwing up all the teams that enter.

Still, I expect 2009 will be better.

Hazard

10 Mar 2008, 21:36

BootsOntheSide

10 Mar 2008, 22:41

Walker probably wouldn't've been able to put a ChampCar team either, unless OWRS had funded him. The grid still looks fairly rosy at this stage, and 2009 is the real acid test.

Pro Racer

11 Mar 2008, 03:45

in Motorsport eNews the ran a storey and they quote Will as saying to them that he is confident of signing something in the next couple of days, they also said it's likely KV Racing so keep your eye open guys and girls.

rush1

11 Mar 2008, 03:49

As much as he usually never is right, it is looking like Bourdais was on the money - it's not a merger, it's just the death of Champcar.

Officially, it's just 'most' of the IRL teams from last year plus Newman-Haas is all that's really been confirmed so far :(

Newman Haas, Penske, Ganassi and Andretti green are the top teams once again united under one series - a positive development in my book.

Usually F1 has around 25 entries per race, I would look for the IRL to have around this number in the future, with the exception of Indianapolis of course.

nabz

11 Mar 2008, 04:40

Usually F1 has around 25 entries per race, I would look for the IRL to have around this number in the future, with the exception of Indianapolis of course.

When was the last time F1 had a 25 car field??? I expect IRL to have a 24 - 26 car feild in 2009 whch is not a bad number at all.

Dutton

11 Mar 2008, 07:15

climb

11 Mar 2008, 08:19

Of course, the grid scenario for 2008 is a bit dubious: it was never going to be anything else. The "unification" has clearly been the IRL dominating, whilst picking up bits and bobs from CC.

...

Well that's shouldn't sound as a big surprise cos it was clear since the very beginning of the story; that's what could have happened years ago, hadn't the amigos won the Cart auction trial.

But IRL are'nt picking up "bits and bobs", but the few good things that still were in CC, starting from NHL, which are something more that "bits and bobs"

I agree with boots that this "merger" has just discovered the problems of Walker team, that already existed but, the amigos used to hide by funding them.

Best wishes to Derrick to find a better partner to finance his outfit.

About IRL, now we have a 25-26 spots grid, ore even more, much more than F1, at the level of GP2, but, that's the best point with 4 top teams, with at least 9 drivers steadily fighting for the win (plus occasional outsiders); tell me which series can privide fans with such numbers, only Nascar maybe, but none from the world OWR.

And in 2009 things are bound to improve, since there will be a rationalisation of schedule, and the potential to attract even more quality entries.

D.R.T.

11 Mar 2008, 12:49

I agree with boots that this "merger" has just discovered the problems of Walker team, that already existed but, the amigos used to hide by funding them.

I didnt see CC funding Walker. It seems the deterioration of Gore's and therefor Aussie Vinyards money curtailed Walker racings involvement in the merged series.

Walker was and is one of the good guys, this news takes the shine of what has been a fruitful month or so.

I know seed money isnt a part of the new merged series, however for someone who has ridden the ups and downs of the past decade it would be appropriate.

BootsOntheSide

11 Mar 2008, 20:04

ChampCar would have funded Walker if they needed to this year though - they would have needed the extra cars. Neither IRL or ChampCar could hope to have as many cars as the IRL will have this year, and it should be a close fought series. Realistically only NHR and perhaps Minardi had the ingredients to match the top IRL teams (once the top ChampCar teams, lest we forget).

cos

11 Mar 2008, 21:53

Conquest to enter a technical partnership with Forsythe Performance Research, and say their second driver to be announced shortly. PT's way in?
http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-conquest-racing-announces-technical-partnership-with-forsythe/

JHamilton

11 Mar 2008, 21:59

cos

11 Mar 2008, 22:05

My money is on Power not PT.

All other reports suggest Power's joining Seriva at KV.

JHamilton

11 Mar 2008, 22:14

All other reports suggest Power's joining Seriva at KV.

I never said I was good with my money. :) I still stand by my bet.

Dutton

11 Mar 2008, 23:53

But IRL are'nt picking up "bits and bobs", but the few good things that still were in CC, starting from NHL, which are something more that "bits and bobs"

I was not meaning to imply that what was being taken was insignficant, or somehow trivial.

I just meant stuff.

Xpunk75

12 Mar 2008, 01:09

Right now NHL is the only team from CC that is on the IRL website so this is not very exciting for me yet. I really would some better news reporting on what the other teams are planning to do that are not officially apart of the IRL.

If this turns out to be just the IRL + NHL I probably won't be watching to many races this season.

cos

12 Mar 2008, 01:17

Right now NHL is the only team from CC that is on the IRL website so this is not very exciting for me yet.

Perera + Conquest are on indycar.com as well. Teleconference tomorrow apparently with NHL and KV regarding their plans for 08.

Amar7605

12 Mar 2008, 03:16

Mystery

12 Mar 2008, 09:43

A merger done this late in the day was always going to be difficult though and I don't think anyone has had any illusions about it.

Still will be better than another season of division

Stefvh

12 Mar 2008, 11:27

No Minardi for 2008, http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65634

JohnSSC

12 Mar 2008, 11:42

To be honest, I was never really sure how "committed" Stoddart was to CC, either.

I was never able to figure out where the gain was for him in the series. I feel sorry for Doornbos as I thought he had some talent and would have like to see him at Indy.

In fact, I cannot imagine why Stoddart would not want to be at Indy himself. Perhaps it just came down to not having enough of someone else's money to fund the team.

gomick

12 Mar 2008, 11:44

so how many Champcar teams are actually going across to IRL :rolleyes:

cos

12 Mar 2008, 13:03

Walker still might make it:
“After the statement we made on Sunday regarding our IndyCar effort, we have had tremendous support and a number of inquiries that may produce some ability to compete in the IndyCar Series on some level, whether it be a full or half-season," the ex-pat Scot commented, "At least, it will give us the chance to compete at some capacity. We remain cautiously optimistic.”

climb

12 Mar 2008, 13:44

Finger crossed for Walker team; If I was a well funded fellow looking for an involvement in US motorsport, I wouldn't exitate a minute to call them

JohnnySTR

12 Mar 2008, 15:33

Goodbye Minardi and goodbye Doornbos.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65634

I look forward to this season less and less. Hopefully KV Racing can survive to testing

Mystery

12 Mar 2008, 17:16

Not exactly a shocker to me. I can't think of a single good reason why Stoddart or Doornbos would have had the slightest bit of interest in the IRL. Robert was an F1 driver not all that long ago and really his sights have to be elsewhere - I got the impression he only did CC in order to keep himself race-ready - why would he take part in the unofficial NASCAR feeder series.

Alright I'm teasing a bit - but you can just about imagine a slight backward step for him to CC - but then changing disciplines entirely and going IRL - don't see it really. In fact I'm amazed Justin Wilson is going across - but to be fair his few oval outings at Milwaukee have shown him to be pretty capable. Similarly I'm not sure what Graham Rahal's interest is but Honda weren't afraid to pluck Marco from the IRL so maybe there is a future potential path.

As I've said before elsewhere around here, much of the potential to transfer back into F1 seats from AOW will depend on Bourdais's performance. If he's a bust then all these guys can look forward to are GP2, A1GP, NASCAR or sports/touring cars. If he's halfway decent then a clever team owner might be tempted to take a punt on someone from the IRL again.

cos

12 Mar 2008, 17:37

Power/Gore to KV confirmed:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65648

icemachine

12 Mar 2008, 17:48

Hope Gore paid Walker what he owes him.

mp356a

12 Mar 2008, 20:45

Jeepers it is hard to get excited about a season being written off before it even starts. Bla bla bla, '09, '10, bla bla bla.....

Thank goodness F1 looks to be another terrific season.

The Snout

12 Mar 2008, 21:35

And all I'm hearing is 'Just give us another year or two to get our act together, promise'.

Indycar better have it's 'vision' worked out for 2009 and beyond announced by Indy this year if it wants to retain any good faith it has in all this merger business.

Mr Pink

12 Mar 2008, 21:54

Keith Wiggins plans to run one car, reviving the HVM Racing name.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65654

CaptainRandom

12 Mar 2008, 22:18

So what happens to Tagliani if Power and Servia are in at KV? Does anyone know?

icemachine

12 Mar 2008, 22:45

He joins the list of drivers attempting to get into NASCAR, perhaps the CT series

mac

13 Mar 2008, 01:01

Good news for Will and KV - that is a nice driver pairing...

Pro Racer

13 Mar 2008, 03:05

great for Will and KV as long as Gore pays his bills this time.

Amar7605

13 Mar 2008, 05:32

How interesting... many people now are saying what I've said in the past.

2008 is going to be a bumpy ride no matter how you look at it. 2009 or 2010 is going to be the real test to see how well the merger has gone.

:hair: :mad: :banghead: :bmood:

I want to apologize, everyone. I love open wheel so much that it's really frustrating to see what it has gone through and where it is now.

I am hopeful for the future, but this year is going to be really gut-wrenching to watch. :(

Down F0rce

13 Mar 2008, 09:44

IndyCar.com has apprantly confirmed that HVM are in:

http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=10669&utm_source=indycar&utm_medium=story&utm_content=10669&utm_campaign=speedRead

Great news about KV Racing too! After a series of setbacks it's nice to have some more confirmed cars in there.

Down F0rce

13 Mar 2008, 09:58

Conqest have teamed up with part of Forsythe for this season. They still have yet to announce a second driver, perhaps a certian Canadian? ;)

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65641

BootsOntheSide

14 Mar 2008, 00:11

This isn't looking so bad now. Forsythe will live on in some form, as will HVM, and Walker could be out there. Conquest will be stronger than we thought as well.

JohnnySTR

14 Mar 2008, 03:43

has anyone heard any updates about what PCM are doing? It sounded like they wanted to make the switch, but I havent heard anything in a while and the first race is barely 2 weeks out

Amar7605

14 Mar 2008, 06:18

HVM and Conquest... thanks, I feel a bit better now! :-)

BootsOntheSide

14 Mar 2008, 09:59

Mystery

14 Mar 2008, 10:05

The ex-ChampCar teams are going to struggle to get onto the track at first - some may focus on Long Beach (virtually free points, in IRL terms) and then use the Indy practice time to get closer to the pace. Remember that OWRS was unlikely to survive into 2008 anyway; these teams are lucky to have anything to race in this year, especially with free cars.That's a very good point actually - as we all now know CC was in a $10m hole which they seemed to have no escape from so even bringing 1 car out of that series to the IRL is positive. Looks like we'll have at least 6 plus a smattering of possible new IRL part-time teams which has to be good.

icemachine

14 Mar 2008, 12:16

I'm sure CC has been operating in the red since OWRS started. This was just KK drawing the line.

drewdawg727

15 Mar 2008, 22:21

It's interesting to see the mood of this thread drastically change from page 1 to page 4.

SALEEN S7R

15 Mar 2008, 22:59

This isn't looking so bad now. Forsythe will live on in some form, as will HVM, and Walker could be out there. Conquest will be stronger than we thought as well.

Yes Forsythe may well continue to live, one of Forsythe's chief engineers is at Sebring this weekend to examine the possibilty of running in the ALMS and from what he has said he thinks there is a very strong chance that we will see Forsythe in the ALMS, he is just at Sebring this weekend to see what options are available to the team.

JohnnySTR

16 Mar 2008, 01:07

i think the mood has changed, because regardless of what series you supported before know one wants to see openwheel racing continue to decline in america. I could not stand the IRL, but I will watch every race this year and wait around at least until 2010 to see what new teams come into the series and if this new series has any potential.

Hazza

16 Mar 2008, 03:19

It's interesting to see the mood of this thread drastically change from page 1 to page 4.

I guess some racing "Fans" that have never watched an IRL "race" before are still sad that there is one series not nothing at all. :D

Some people still hate this series on principle.

We'll be the ones laughing as we enjoy the series and the racing whilest they sit there stewing. I guess it IS possible to hate a unified series after all! :rofl:

sr230772

16 Mar 2008, 07:18

do u think there will be a seris in 2010 i think its make or break now 2009 then nothing

Bob Riebe

16 Mar 2008, 07:34

I really wish that would happen.
That would leave just the Indy 500, and prove that all the rules past he turn of the century have been a pleasant as dog crop on a sunny window shelf.

They would either have to scrap all the new "modern" ideas, or watch it all die.

EGG

16 Mar 2008, 12:30

I guess some racing "Fans" that have never watched an IRL "race" before are still sad that there is one series not nothing at all. :D

Some people still hate this series on principle.

We'll be the ones laughing as we enjoy the series and the racing whilest they sit there stewing. I guess it IS possible to hate a unified series after all! :rofl:
The german guy in the other thread summed it up particularly well, if we'd wanted to watch IRL, we would have done so in the past. 'Unified series' isn't the most apt name for the situation.

IRL fans have lost nothing since last year and gained everything. Champcar fans have had their series absolved into another, with a couple of races and some drivers/teams remaining. Obviously most of us aren't exactly in ecstasy over this.

Stefvh

16 Mar 2008, 12:52

How can one be "fan" of a racing series ?

rush1

16 Mar 2008, 15:04

The german guy in the other thread summed it up particularly well, if we'd wanted to watch IRL, we would have done so in the past. 'Unified series' isn't the most apt name for the situation.

IRL fans have lost nothing since last year and gained everything. Champcar fans have had their series absolved into another, with a couple of races and some drivers/teams remaining. Obviously most of us aren't exactly in ecstasy over this.

As I said before there were not enough of you fans to keep the series around.

I believe most of you will come over, since you take the time to post on the IRL site anyway.

Beacuse the Indy Racing League will be the only show around here, no entity called "American Open Wheel Racing" exists.

Amar7605

16 Mar 2008, 17:21

do u think there will be a seris in 2010 i think its make or break now 2009 then nothing

2008 will be rough, 2009 should be smoother. But I think that the IRL must work really hard this year and next year to make sure that 2010 is stable.

2009 as a make-or-break-year may be a bit much, but certainly the IRL needs to be stable within 5 years with teams, tracks, and sponsors.

JohnnySTR

16 Mar 2008, 22:41

i dont think the IRL fans should gloat over Champ Car fans that are upset at the demise of their series. Its not like the IRL has been a stunning success either. Unless they can start to expand viewership and bring in more sponsors and top drivers it will go the way of Champ Car. Tony George needs to expand the schedule and have more road races and street tracks mixed in with the ovals like it was when things were good and not just try to copy nascar with openwheel cars. It will be interesting to see what the new car in 2010 brings, hopefully multiple chassis and multiple engine manufacturers, but that is highly unlikely. As long as the car isnt butt ugly like it is now I will be able to settle for that. At least if things continue to go poorly the ALMS is continuing to improve

climb

17 Mar 2008, 08:12

NAC

17 Mar 2008, 08:34

D.R.T.

17 Mar 2008, 14:07

I just think we should put "IRL fans" vs"CC Fans" behind us.

I see it will take some time to get over it for some die hard cc fans, but now there's only on series which can, at last!, rejoice OWR in the US

Absolutley agree.

This is a new start. A new unified championship. No winners. No losers.

As I said before there were not enough of you fans to keep the series around.

I find these comments worrying, in the sense that both series were failing. Why keep pointing fingers and trying to get the last laugh. I find it quite odd that someone is trying to claim higher ground on the mess that was the last 10 years. I feel that they miss the point of this merger.

Xpunk75

17 Mar 2008, 19:54

I think whats bothering a lot people especially the CC fans is the fact that we have to watch the new series with the same old and dangerous Dallara race cars which I find boring. I think what CC fans, and most fans of open wheel really wanted to see was a new series formed from the two existing series with a new car and even playing field for everyone.

I think a few other things is that we've lost a few teams who were not willing to make the switch over to the IRL which is disappointing, because with us losing them we've also lost some of our favorite drivers and thats depressing.

Also I think the race schedule is not Ideal right now ether, and not enough Champ Car race events are on the calender for this season in fact I think its only three. So you have to understand that the Champ Car fans at this moment feel like their getting the short end of the stick. At first I was very happy about the merger but since the agreement for one series I have lost a lot of my excitement because of teams not making the switch, the length of time estimated for a new chases and engine specs, and just the over all realization that were going to be watching the same exact IRL that we've always been watching with some more back markers in the mix thanks to CC finally giving up. Penske, Ganassi, and Andretti Green are still going to be way ahead of everyone and thats how its going to be until we get new cars and new engines.

The teams with the most money are always going to run toward the front and have the best drivers, but right now it's just the teams that have a lot of money in the IRL that are going to be running at the front. All the Champ Car teams won't be able to really compete at the front because they don't have the experience needed with the car.

I think the most exciting races were going to see this year will be probably be the road and street tracks just because the Champ Car Drivers will be more competitive their then anywhere else.

NAC

17 Mar 2008, 21:24

Also I think the race schedule is not Ideal right now ether, and not enough Champ Car race events are on the calender for this season in fact I think its only three. So you have to understand that the Champ Car fans at this moment feel like their getting the short end of the stick.

I think the most exciting races were going to see this year will be probably be the road and street tracks just because the Champ Car Drivers will be more competitive their then anywhere else.

Time may heal this. I have to say I am gobsmacked with the turnaround of the merger. To put together what they have in such a short space should be applauded. Give them a bit of time and you may get your wish.

johntt

17 Mar 2008, 22:31

I've said it before and i'll say it again:

Its going to be 2009-10 before we get a good schedule together.

A new car is due in 2010-11.

Be patient!

icemachine

17 Mar 2008, 23:34

Why are we urged to be patient now, when wasn't KK patient enough to run out the 08 season, and Merge for 09, without the confusion and deceit that led to this Absorbtion?

cos

18 Mar 2008, 00:22

Coyne's set to announce drivers on Wednesday... there's also talk that Bernoldi is in the 2nd Conquest car.

drewdawg727

18 Mar 2008, 02:53

Coyne's set to announce drivers on Wednesday... there's also talk that Bernoldi is in the 2nd Conquest car.

Source..?

racer69

18 Mar 2008, 05:34

A new car is due in 2010-11.

Hopefully it's not a new 'car' in 2010-11, but rather just new 'technical regulations'

Would be a real shame if it was a spec chassis introduced.

Amar7605

18 Mar 2008, 05:36

I've said it before and i'll say it again:

Its going to be 2009-10 before we get a good schedule together.

Be patient!

That's what I've been saying too! :rotate: :p

Alwaysfirst

18 Mar 2008, 05:37

There's photos of Bernoldi having a seat fitting at Conquest on the indycar website.

http://www.indycar.com/news/2008/se...50-03172008.jpg

cos

18 Mar 2008, 16:14

And confirmed on Autosport:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65880

climb

18 Mar 2008, 16:24

I think whats bothering a lot people especially the CC fans is the fact that we have to watch the new series with the same old and dangerous Dallara race cars which I find boring.....

dangerous dallara cars?
How many drivers have been kille in those "dangerous" Dallara cars? None, despite terrible accidents like the one of Mario Andretti, which shows that those Dallara chassis are probably the safest around.
For the records, the drivers dead in IRL in the last 10 yrs were all driving GForce cars.

And about a car being "boring" it's quite curious! I've always heard about boring races, because the point is not the car, but who drives it, and how it behaves in the race that determine whether a race's boring or not to watch.

Those "boring" cars have produced races with up to 26 lead changes, and the closest finishes ever, then I'd like to know how on Earth you can judge them boring.

climb

18 Mar 2008, 16:25

about Bernoldi that's good news, particularly for those which are happy about OWR going well in the US, maybe not for others hangin'around here ;)

Xpunk75

19 Mar 2008, 09:56

I don't mean the structure of the car being weak or anything like that. It just seems like these cars like to take off into the air when ever they collide or touch wheels. Going up into the air like they do "Sometimes" mind you not all the time is dangerous for the driver/drivers and the fans.

Andy I don't find their look very appealing but thats just my feelings.

JohnSSC

19 Mar 2008, 11:04

Ahh, yes, you mean like David Couthard flying over Wurz or Timo Glock flying over the grass...oops, wait! Wrong series!

Open wheel cars with lots of aero tend to "fly" under the right circumstances and with the speed your average IndyCar is going on ovals this opportunity is enhanced. It does not mean the car itself is unsafe.

Mystery

19 Mar 2008, 11:33

Exactly, the whole concept of open wheel oval racing is inherently more dangerous than other forms of racing.

But to be fair being on the same circuit as Paul Tracy is pretty risky sometimes too ;)

climb

19 Mar 2008, 12:06

I don't mean the structure of the car being weak or anything like that. It just seems like these cars like to take off into the air when ever they collide or touch wheels. ....

As John rightly points out, it's down on oval racing; the cars must be judged concerning how the driver is after the accident; from this point of view Dallara cars have proved extremely safe.

And about not being that beautiful, it may be true, but since when has someone won for having the prettiest car? ;) Isn't it more important to be fast?

johntt

19 Mar 2008, 12:35

The reason why cars have been getting airbourne in the IRL is that they are all using the same engine and as a result theres no speed differential causing them to bunch up.

http://espn.go.com/rpm/irl/2003/1013/1637489.html (http://espn.go.com/rpm/irl/2003/1013/1637489.html) - this outlines it well.

Red Bulldog

19 Mar 2008, 13:20

about Bernoldi that's good news, particularly for those which are happy about OWR going well in the US, maybe not for others hangin'around here ;)
Good news? - a second rate pay driver taking up a spot that could be filled by a real contender.

climb

19 Mar 2008, 14:01

Hep! An ex CC fan rejecting the pay drivers! That's what I call a surprise! ;)

climb

19 Mar 2008, 14:02

The reason why cars have been getting airbourne in the IRL is that they are all using the same engine and as a result theres no speed differential causing them to bunch up.

... [/FONT][/COLOR]

I Don't think so; IMHO It's just about a combination of High speed, Hi downforce, and oval tracks.

D.R.T.

19 Mar 2008, 14:57

And about not being that beautiful, it may be true, but since when has someone won for having the prettiest car? ;) Isn't it more important to be fast?

In the Australian press Will Power had some choice words to say about the Dallara vs the Panoz DP01. Not that it matters since they wont be going head to head but he was quoted as saying "it will be sad to see the Panoz go as it would drive circles around the Dallara".

Red Bulldog

19 Mar 2008, 17:33

Hep! An ex CC fan rejecting the pay drivers! That's what I call a surprise! ;)
More of a F1 fan remerbering how bad he was in that series

Hazard

19 Mar 2008, 22:22

Stefvh

19 Mar 2008, 22:36

Wilson & Rahal with 02 and 08, it seems.

mac

19 Mar 2008, 22:57

Good news? - a second rate pay driver taking up a spot that could be filled by a real contender.
You must not know much about Bernoldi then...

He is a very capable driver, so much so that after his F1 stint with Arrows, Honda saw enough in him to hire him as an official test driver - he won't embarass anyone.

Hazard

20 Mar 2008, 00:19

Amar7605

20 Mar 2008, 03:04

It's a good group.

climb

20 Mar 2008, 08:09

More of a F1 fan remerbering how bad he was in that series

Well, if F1 was the only term of comparison to rate a driver, what could you say about Zanardi?

BootsOntheSide

20 Mar 2008, 09:59

Bernoldi did overtake Michael Schumacher and hold off Coulthard for half a race, don't forget.

I don't like those NHR numbers - confusing, and kind of emphasises the 'frontrunners in another series' element - what's wrong with 12 and 26, or 28 and 29?

Red Bulldog

20 Mar 2008, 13:26

[QUOTE=BootsOntheSide]Bernoldi did overtake Michael Schumacher and hold off Coulthard for half a race, don't forget. [QUOTE]
Maybe I'm being a little hard on him, but it he's been around a long time now and has said he doesn't like ovals - I just think there are more hungry young drivers available.

Amar7605

20 Mar 2008, 17:43

I don't like those NHR numbers - confusing, and kind of emphasises the 'frontrunners in another series' element - what's wrong with 12 and 26, or 28 and 29?

It's kind of like putting a scarlet 'A' on the cars.

cos

20 Mar 2008, 21:52

Homestead entry list is up; as expected plus Viso for HVM.

gomick

20 Mar 2008, 22:02

good to see will power :unworthy: go fast at a sebring test, though the ovals will be a new learning curve again - still think the dallara is an ugly car :hmf: ...

the driver list does look good - glad dale coyne joined :gent: & nhl #'s are poo :sfan:

Stefvh

20 Mar 2008, 22:06

26 cars, nice, i predicted 25-30.

Xpunk75

20 Mar 2008, 23:09

Is there no chance for more teams to join? Is this is for the CC teams?

enemy-ace

20 Mar 2008, 23:31

Not a Canadian in the bunch. Sucks! :(
Hopefully Forsythe will let PT out of his contract.
Tagliani is also a good driver with oval experience who really should be signed.
26 cars is a good number though. Not a big fan of the current car specs but I can get over it. Unification is good! :)

climb

21 Mar 2008, 08:18

Is there no chance for more teams to join? Is this is for the CC teams?
Given the particular year, surely others will be able/allowed to join in the next few weeks (provided IRL is not F1 and new entries are always welcome)

madman16

21 Mar 2008, 08:23

Although his best years are past him PT is a very marketable driver for the series and it would be a shame if he didn't get a drive somewhere. However his own terms may be his downfall

nobster

21 Mar 2008, 11:04

No Tagliani,Tracy, Doornbos, this sucks!!!
Instead we have Bernoldi, Viso etc etc, wow ( not )

madman16

21 Mar 2008, 12:04

This may not be the right thread to ask this question but, Does anyone know the final calender yet?

I've heard somewhere now the it will be a 20 race schedule. What are the extra 4 races, St Pete and Surfers make 2. I've been on the Indycar website but they've got nothing.

D.R.T.

21 Mar 2008, 14:05

Surely Tracy will turn up come Indy time.

A 2nd Rahal car maybe?

Jimmy Magnusson

21 Mar 2008, 14:46

I always tries to give people a fair chance before judging them, but going from the Autosport article on Tracy... It really sounds like Forsythe is hell bent on doing as much bad for the IRL as he can, seeing as PT hasn't even been able to get in touch with him for any discussions yet. His contract would surely cease to exist after Long Beach though.

johntt

21 Mar 2008, 19:14

2112

21 Mar 2008, 22:06

NO PT...... NO PEACE :hammer::bunny::)

Amar7605

22 Mar 2008, 19:58

PT will get a ride, even if it's later in the season. He's too marketable to not have a seat. Can you imagine the potential PT/Helio rivalry?

:gfight:

chemhead1

24 Mar 2008, 02:45

An entire season without NACHOOOOOOOOOOO Tracy would be absolutely catastrophic in my view. Just as Amar said, PT vs. Helio, Round 2? Yes. YES. YES!

Down F0rce

24 Mar 2008, 17:23

PT will turn up, don't worry. He has a sponsor in the bag anyway. I think Rahal would be a good destination - they presumably had the equipment and crew for a two car team before Sharp left, all they need is a new sponsor and a driver.

Xpunk75

24 Mar 2008, 22:20

I never thought I'd ever read PT might driving for Bobby Rahul lol, hopefully It will become a reality soon. I just wish some of the other good Champ Car Drivers were racing this year. I really sad Team Minardi USA isn't coming to the IRL. I'm a fan of Paul Stoddert but I feel really feel let down and sad about there decision not to enter. I understand though they probably didn't have the money, but I'm sure Tony George could have thrown them the cash needed for this year if that was the problem, if he really wanted to. If it was just PS saying hell no I'm not racing in the new series, then I'm not as big of fan of his as I use to be.

Hopefully he will turn up when the series has a new look.

Hazard

24 Mar 2008, 23:25

cptkablamo

25 Mar 2008, 05:00

Tracy to bring his sponsorship $$$ to PCM - has the plus of getting Tracy AND PCM on the grid...

Down F0rce

25 Mar 2008, 11:42

Oh? Link to that one please? :) Suprising if ture, I thought PT was only interested in joining a team that he could win with...

Wilson McDonald's livery:
http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules/ew_filemanager/08content/indycar/homestead/indycar-newmanhaas-wilson.jpg

More pics on Indycar.com!

courageous

25 Mar 2008, 23:36

Apparently, in an interview on Wind Tunnel (Speed TV) over the weekend JIMMY VASSER said he may get back in the saddle for Long Beach - Maybe the bug will bite him again & we'll see an Indy entry.

Amar7605

26 Mar 2008, 05:44

Probably to get the grid count up and as one last hurrah.

Mystery

26 Mar 2008, 14:36

I recall Cavin said on his blog that he thought Vasser was a possibly Indy entry for 09 but probably not this year.

georgeboi999

26 Mar 2008, 18:43

Jimmy Vasser should still have it in him. Its a good thing that he is coming back to race.

RaceFreak

27 Mar 2008, 11:52

Probably to get the grid count up and as one last hurrah.

There's a much better reason than that (though that may be part of it..)

Both Long Beach AND Motegi will count equally for points in the 'merged' series. KV racing, by splitting the team between both locations, will get double points for the weekend. This is a 'Win - Win' situation for both the fans and the teams. Rumor mill has it that Dario may run LB as well; NASCAB has the weekend off...

Wouldn't that be awesome ?