- 26 Oct 11, 07:25#281376Although I'm no fan of the look of the new Indy Car, I do admire them for doing something constructive to try and make racing safer. I read that the preliminary investigation to Wheldon's crash is under way, and the Indy Car drivers and administrators have had a positive meeting to discuss advances in safety. The findings from this will make interesting reading no doubt, especially if the argument for closed cockpits is put forward....
It is in my opinion, that unfortunately you can't design the aerodynamics of Indy Cars to discourage side by side racing, as then no one would pass. Ovals are a peculiarity in racing.
Circuit racing of single seater's generally relies on a slipstream helping catapult you next to the car in front, and the side by side racing usually happens as both cars SLOW DOWN substantially before entering a corner. Problem is, you don't slow down on most 1.5 mile or larger ovals...
I believe those who simply say ban ovals, or claim them as dumb or stupid, are simply ignorant about them. Having been involved in both ashpalt, and dirt oval racing, I can say, that it is really a fascinating style of racing. The precision required in car set up, and even more so to drive an oval car is puts circuit racing in the shade in some respects. Circuit cars are a very compromised in set up by comparison. Some of most cunning, and fine-tuned set up ideas I've ever come across, come from oval cars.
Ask someone like Juan Pablo Montoya, which style of racing is the most difficult to master.......
