dando
02-25-08, 03:41 PM
http://www.gordonkirby.com/categories/columns/theway/2008/the_way_it_is_no115.html
With reunion, at long last the first step has been taken, but the next series of steps will be even more difficult. In today's world, every major racing series is driven by manufacturers. Formula 1, NASCAR, sports car racing and motorcycle racing are fueled primarily by manufacturers. Commercial sponsorship rides on the back of massive investment from the competing manufacturers and if Indy car racing is to regain a respected position in the world motor sport community it must create an interesting technical formula for the future that will attract two, three or four manufacturers.
As I've written, the new formula also must produce an aesthetically attractive car as well as competing car builders. One of the problems of the current IRL Dallara-Honda--and I know some people don't like to hear this--is that it is unattractive both visually and aurally, as well as being a de facto spec car. All these things must change if Indy car racing is to be rehabilitated and thrive once again.
There's no point in me going on any more about any of this at this stage of the game. I believe I've written considerably more over many years about the subject of developing and managing Indy car racing's technical rules than anyone else, and as I say, I will continue to do so. In fact, my next two columns in the April and May issues of Motor Sport will be devoted to this matter. Meanwhile, I just want to emphasize the challenges of leadership--technical leadership in particular--that lay ahead for the IRL if Indy car racing is to become a major player once again in world motor sport. I hope the powers that be are up to the job.
Spot on. If the cars and engines don't change, this is doomed to fail. Period.
-Kevin
With reunion, at long last the first step has been taken, but the next series of steps will be even more difficult. In today's world, every major racing series is driven by manufacturers. Formula 1, NASCAR, sports car racing and motorcycle racing are fueled primarily by manufacturers. Commercial sponsorship rides on the back of massive investment from the competing manufacturers and if Indy car racing is to regain a respected position in the world motor sport community it must create an interesting technical formula for the future that will attract two, three or four manufacturers.
As I've written, the new formula also must produce an aesthetically attractive car as well as competing car builders. One of the problems of the current IRL Dallara-Honda--and I know some people don't like to hear this--is that it is unattractive both visually and aurally, as well as being a de facto spec car. All these things must change if Indy car racing is to be rehabilitated and thrive once again.
There's no point in me going on any more about any of this at this stage of the game. I believe I've written considerably more over many years about the subject of developing and managing Indy car racing's technical rules than anyone else, and as I say, I will continue to do so. In fact, my next two columns in the April and May issues of Motor Sport will be devoted to this matter. Meanwhile, I just want to emphasize the challenges of leadership--technical leadership in particular--that lay ahead for the IRL if Indy car racing is to become a major player once again in world motor sport. I hope the powers that be are up to the job.
Spot on. If the cars and engines don't change, this is doomed to fail. Period.
-Kevin