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[Rivelution]

The title says it all. I wanted to post some IndyCar news so I decided to create this thread.

First I wanted to say that I'm extremely happy that turbos will return, along with a new chassis for the 2011 season. However I just came across this today, which I think would suck if it happened cuz I'm tired of waiting!!!

IndyCar's new motor faces delay; three makers possible

The economic downturn might cause a one-year delay for implementing a new engine, but the IndyCar Series is hoping to have three engine manufacturers by the 2012 season.
Series officials revealed Tuesday that Honda, Audi, Fiat, Porsche and Volkswagen remained in negotiations about building a new engine that likely would be lighter, more efficient and turbocharged, compared with the current normally aspirated V8 model.

Honda, which has been the series' sole supplier since 2006, announced a five-year extension with IndyCar in May, but Honda Performance Development President Erik Berkman said the company wants competition. Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League's commercial division, said, "We'd love to see three (manufacturers). There are a couple very engaged right now on top of Honda, so we're encouraged."

Two of the companies already are exploring an expanded U.S. presence. Volkswagen wants to open its first U.S. plant in more than 20 years by 2011, and Fiat reportedly has considered an American relaunch of its Alfa Romeo brand.

Brian Barnhart, the IRL's president of competition, says one manufacturer would be seeking approval for competing in IndyCar from its board within the next 60 days.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/2009-02-03-new-engine_N.htm



More news...

Milka Duno, Robert Doornbos heading for Newman/Haas/Lanigan

February 3, 2009 -- The day the Indy Racing League entered Bizarro World?

If Robin Miller is correct, then today's shaping up to be that way. According to him, legendary open-wheel squadron Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing is going to be a three-car team for the 2009 IndyCar Series championship thanks to a pair of pilots bringing money to the table.

One of them is indeed Robert Doornbos, who is thought to be bringing ING sponsorship despite the fact that they've been slashing their F1 budget. But the other driver is an absolute shocker: former Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Milka Duno, who is bringing CITGO and apparently another big backer to N/H/L!

This is not official at this point as N/H/L team manager Brian Lisles told Miller and SPEEDTV.com that the contracts have not been signed yet. But Lisles mentioned that the team hopes to have it all done by the end of the week. Doornbos has been out of American open-wheel racing since 2007, while Duno has been driving part-time for the last couple seasons with DRR

http://mvn.com/indyracingrevolution/2009/02/report-milka-duno-robert-doornbos-heading-for-newmanhaaslanigan.html



This news pisses me off and makes me happy at the same time. First I'm happy that Doornbos will be racng in the IndyCar series, he was awesome in Champ Car and I hope to see him fight for the title. What really ticks me off though, is that they dropped a decent driver for a total crap driver such as Milka. I remember reading somewhere that she was 13 seconds OFF the pace at Detroit (I think) last year. Comes to show you that you need money, and not raw talent to race these days. If this ends up to be true, I hope she gets better though and learns something.


And of course its great news to see Will Power join Team Penske, which will have an all Aussie line up. Sad to see Castroneves in his situation though, he's an awesome dude.

Penske Racing announced today that driver Will Power will join the Team Penske IndyCar Series program in preparation for the 2009 racing season.

Power, 27, is coming off an impressive rookie season in the IndyCar Series where he established himself as one of open-wheel racing’s rising stars. The native of Toowoomba, Australia will pilot the No. 3 Team Penske Dallara/Honda during preseason test sessions. The balance of the year's driving responsibilities for the No. 3 car, including the IndyCar Series season-opening race at St. Petersburg on April 5, will depend on the timing and outcome of Helio Castroneves’ pending court case.

“We remain hopeful that Helio’s situation will have a positive outcome and the team is fully behind him,” said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing, “While Helio prepares for his court case, we’re excited to welcome Will Power to the team. Will has already proven that he’s a terrific racer and we think he’s going to be a good fit with Team Penske.”

Power will work closely with fellow Aussie driver Ryan Briscoe, driver of the No. 6 Team Penske Dallara/Honda, as the team contends for the 2009 IndyCar Series championship.

“It is a tremendous opportunity for me to join one of the best teams in all of racing,” said Power. “I'm looking forward to the start of the season and assisting Team Penske in its preparation for 2009."

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090112/FREE/901129969


So will anyone be watching the Indycar series this year? I think it will be a pretty good season, but I wish the IRL would make some track changes though.

[bud]

13 seconds off the pace? That's dangerous as all f***! That's great about Power joining Penske! Inducars on cable here so I'll be watching it when it's on! Maybe not so much the ovals though hehe

[7UpJordan]

IRL isn't as good as Champcar/CART was, I'd really like to see the old DP01 introduced 2 years ago make a return. They also need more of the classic CART tracks and less ovals.

[Rivelution]

13 seconds off the pace? That's dangerous as all f***! That's great about Power joining Penske! Inducars on cable here so I'll be watching it when it's on! Maybe not so much the ovals though hehe

Yeah I think its great for Power too. I think he'll gain more experience as a driver because they'll probably use him in some Grand Am races. You know to be honest I dont mind the ovals much, its just the cars and track choices that bother me.

IRL isn't as good as Champcar/CART was, I'd really like to see the old DP01 introduced 2 years ago make a return. They also need more of the classic CART tracks and less ovals.

Well CART wasnt liked when it first started too, so I think the IRL will get better over time... just as long as they pick better tracks and promote themselves more. Since F1 doesnt race at Montreal anymore, I think the IRL would benefit so much if they raced there.

[texasmr2]

Since F1 doesnt race at Montreal anymore, I think the IRL would benefit so much if they raced there.

That is a great idea and one I hope IndyCar is looking into.

[Denthúl]

I don't know if any of the (free) sports channels over here show IndyCar :/

[Rivelution]

I don't know if any of the (free) sports channels over here show IndyCar :/

Doesnt Eurosport or Motors Tv show it? Or is that the same thing?

[EwanM]

I don't know if any of the (free) sports channels over here show IndyCar :/

Doesnt Eurosport or Motors Tv show it? Or is that the same thing?

Both the IRL and Nascar are on Sky Sports a Premium Sports Channel.

*off topic for one second - do people realise that Eurosport Have Lost the rights to Moto Gp This season to BBC exclusively no more Ryder and Moody WTF!*

[bud]

ahhh just download the torrents

[Jamie]

This season i think it wil be Scott Dixon season, Tony anaan not doing too bad. But Dixon seems to be the best bet

[Rivelution]

For anyone that cares, the Grand Prix of St. Pete is today. Graham Rahal and Justin Wilson are on the front row...

[Rivelution]

Indycar race on an oval today, Rahal and Doornbos on the front row...

[7UpJordan]

I couldn't find any IRL races in the TV guide, instead they've got NAStyCAR on.

[Rivelution]

Its in Kansas right now, but its pretty boring. I'll just watch the highlights later.

[EwanM]

Its in Kansas right now, but its pretty boring. I'll just watch the highlights later.

I wish I had a proper feed to watch the title. I'd quite like Dario to do well.