Indy Lights gets new car for 2014!

[NaBUru38]

As the title says, the 10-year-old Indy Lights car will be replaced for the 2014 season.

"according to series technical director Vince Kremer, five or six entities have been sent possible proposals."

"contemporary design, improved aerodynamic performance, an improved technological package, the potential to integrate an alternative fuel source and improved sponsor visibility"

A fan commented "It's about time they get rid of that Crapwagon Jr. car. "

[ptclaus98]

Who cares? It'll be a Dallara, and it will most likely be underwhelming, as Dallara doesn't have any sort of commitment to excellence on this side of the pond.

[jondownunder]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

and improved sponsor visibility

That bit fills me with dread. Looks like the new Lights car will be as hideous looking as the DW12. And obviously Dallara will build it.

[Jonerz]

Originally Posted by jondownunder

That bit fills me with dread. Looks like the new Lights car will be as hideous looking as the DW12. And obviously Dallara will build it.

Yeah, I bet it will use the same Dallara tub if not the whole "safety cell" as well. Hopefully it is cheap and accompanied by greater media visibility so Lights attracts stalwart teams (the Sierra Sierra, US Racetronics, and Newman Wachs types) so the final step on the ladder to IndyCar isn't so precarious.

Unfortunately, between IndyCar, Lights, F1 and GP2 major openwheel racing globally is now just an entertainment sport, not a motor sport. We can kiss attractive pure breads goodbye and say hello to camels (horses designed by committee.)

Chris

[NaBUru38]

Randy loves competition. I think he wants to choose a manufacturer other than Dallara.

[mountainstar]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

Randy loves competition. I think he wants to choose a manufacturer other than Dallara.

I reckon not.

I'm surprised you would make such a statement and it shows you haven't learned a thing about how these people operate in indianapolis.

Competition has nothing to do with it, it's all about money and control. They are in with dallara because the speedway makes money from it and that isn't going to change, unless another manufacturer makes a bigger offer.

[gomick]

New updated car is due, should look like an i-phone/i-pad...

[skycafe]

Out of curiosity, what do you think of the Delta for this? They are spending lots of money to prove the concept and I don't think they will realize a return in sportscars.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

As the title says, the 10-year-old Indy Lights car will be replaced for the 2014 season.

"according to series technical director Vince Kremer, five or six entities have been sent possible proposals."

"contemporary design, improved aerodynamic performance, an improved technological package, the potential to integrate an alternative fuel source and improved sponsor visibility"

A fan commented "It's about time they get rid of that Crapwagon Jr. car. "

According to that article and I quote, "Some of the desired attributes include a contemporary design, improved aerodynamic performance, an improved technological package possibly including paddle shifting, data systems and sensors, the potential to integrate an alternative fuel source and improved sponsor visibility."

Sounds all too familiar.

[climb]

Originally Posted by skycafe

Out of curiosity, what do you think of the Delta for this? They are spending lots of money to prove the concept and I don't think they will realize a return in sportscars.

As oyou point out Delta are currently committed with MP racing, and they have not any structure to face a challenge with IL

The real point is Dallara have no credibile, viable alternative, like it or not

[JohnSSC]

Would an Offenhauser fit in an old Toyota Atlantic chassis?

That should separate the racers from the wannabe's...

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by climb

As oyou point out Delta are currently committed with MP racing, and they have not any structure to face a challenge with IL

The real point is Dallara have no credibile, viable alternative, like it or not

Why the need to use Dallara? In the initial bidding for the new IndyCar, Lola had a very credible plan to use a universal tub, which both IndyCar and Indy Lights could use, thus saving teams money if they wanted to upgrade from Indy Lights to IndyCar. However, in their wisdom, or lack of it, the Iconic committee opted for Dallara and a substandard car that's suffered from poor design and development and we are going to see exactly the same in Indy Lights.

Now Lola have gone into receivership, I wish they had the foresight to give it to Swift.

[HaydenFan]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

Why the need to use Dallara? In the initial bidding for the new IndyCar, Lola had a very credible plan to use a universal tub, which both IndyCar and Indy Lights could use, thus saving teams money if they wanted to upgrade from Indy Lights to IndyCar. However, in their wisdom, or lack of it, the Iconic committee opted for Dallara and a substandard car that's suffered from poor design and development and we are going to see exactly the same in Indy Lights.

Now Lola have gone into receivership, I wish they had the foresight to give it to Swift.

Mostly Dallara has this in the bag because of their new factory in Indianapolis. They have that selling point that will set them up with IndyCar for the long run.

Dallara and the IRL have a long history together, so I think it's about loyalty. The series wants to keep a relationship with a chassis builder, and while it has become too close of a relationship, it has allowed some stability.

I like the look of the current car. Follows the look of the early 2000's IRL chassis, which it was mostly based off of, and is a good car. I think even if they move towards the DW-12 design in styling, it will be much the same.

I know from the looks, the DW-12 isn't a looker, but that is with the current aero package. We still have to see what others will debut next year with the new rules allow for outside builders. I think the rear wheel wells (which is what the complaint in the looks of the cars is) will be the key focus of these builders.

I think if they can build a simple, cheap car, I think it will be fine. The series needs a consistent entry list year to year. We see half the field filled with new teams that stay for the year and disappear. Only 3-4 teams have remained in the series for the past 3-4 years and been able to run upfront. I can deal with sub 20 car counts, but there needs to be 7 or 8 teams that will keep running a car or two every year. Not show up and stop after a season or two.

If Dallara can build a car that will keep interest in the series from teams and sponsors, then I say build it.

[ptclaus98]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

Why the need to use Dallara? In the initial bidding for the new IndyCar, Lola had a very credible plan to use a universal tub, which both IndyCar and Indy Lights could use, thus saving teams money if they wanted to upgrade from Indy Lights to IndyCar. However, in their wisdom, or lack of it, the Iconic committee opted for Dallara and a substandard car that's suffered from poor design and development and we are going to see exactly the same in Indy Lights.

Now Lola have gone into receivership, I wish they had the foresight to give it to Swift.

When Swift has a plant in Speedway, maybe they'll get looked at.