Ferrari in IRL?

With F1 suffering a leadership crisis, would it make any sense to become an engine supplier to IRL? The new turbocharging formula would allow for some nifty tech development. AND the Ferrari name would only do the fledgling series good. Just a thought.

 

Ferrari's claims to be moving towards smaller, turbocharged engines might be a good fit in terms of R&D. And remember, they were serious enough in the late 80's to build a car under the old CART rules (although it never got even close to competing).

however, I'm not sure the average IRL fan is exactly who Ferrari is looking for. In America, ALMS is a much better fit, demographically. Bubba eating a turkey leg and drinking warm beer in the infield ain't Ferrari's ideal customer.

 

There's always quite a bit of Ferrari and other F1 clothing evident at IRL races. I think open wheel fans here would welcome the entry.

However, I do not believe Ferrari will go there. They are used to winning in their world, and would likely have more trouble in a series that isn't literally dependent on their participation.

I also wonder how much additional engineering and manufacturing capability they have left after supplying the F1 and AIGP efforts.

edit: IRL is not a fledgling series.

 

IRL? They're still around? Sheeesh....

 

There was a June meeting of engine manufacturers (more than 10 of whom showed) that the Indy Racing League held to discuss new engine and chassis specifications to be rolled out for the 2011 season. The attendees included representatives from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Mazda, Volkswagen, AER, Cosworth, Ilmor and John Judd. All these companies are looking to establish or fortify their North American presence.

NO FERRARI

Carol

 

FIAT...

 

There's no way Ferrari would get involved in something that isn't roadracing.

 

I will pray to my Enzo poster that Ferrari never, ever enter the IRL.

 

I agree with all that's been posted, and I've made a few posts myself about the IRL - I still hold a bit of a grudge that my beloved CART begat this crap.

However, Ferrari did compete at Indy before (I think the 375), and Enzo was rumored to have a strong desire to win the 500.

I doubt with the "EARL" in it's current state they would even consider it. Probably ALMS before that...but you never know.

 

You mean you guys wouldn't think it was cool to see Danica in a Ferrari?

 

she's already been in one for Dave Richards and couldn't drive it

 

now . . . back on track about engine manufacturers - with turbo charging I can see Audi, VW and BMW as front runners - I have a 2.0T in my '09 TT Coupe and it is a fine engine.

Carol

 

I think you'll see Japanese manufacturers before Audi, VW, and BMW. Particularly, Subaru and possibly Mazda - both have racing interests and want to elevate their visibility Stateside.

 

I think you have IRL mixed up with NASCAR.

This year they have taken a lot of the oval races out and have gone back to the road circuits. I'm actually going to pay attention this year, especially since all the cars won't be Honda's. It's definiatly not as exciting as F1, and they took out my Nashville Superspeedway (Okay it's not the most exciting track, but I get free tickets every year.), but I'm going to watch most of the races this year.

 

Nope. The "EARL" was created to be the open wheel version of NASCAR that appeals to the Gomers, Jethros, and Bubbas because too many foreign brazillionaires were buying the rides away from the "deserving" Americans who cut their teeth on the dirt short tracks like the oldern days. Think "road to Indy" kinda thing. Americans couldn't connect with Nigel, Emmo, Gil, Teo, Jacques, and Alessandro, but could with Ricky, Martin, Dale, Dale, etc.

Wrong again. They'll all be Honda powered (ugly) Dallaras. There're less ovals because the oval track owners don't want them there. The EARL can't draw flies at the ovals. Seating 15,000 people at a track that holds 100,000 doesn't look good. The EARL is only picking up the hated "street festivals" that CART/ChampCar that were well attended like Long Beach, Edmonton, and Toronto. If the EARL goes to a real road course like Road America, it will only reveal how pathetic their cars are. At some road courses, the ALMS or even Atlantic cars would qualify in the EARL field.

Ferrari is best served to run and run away fast from anything EARL.

 

I thought Porsche, Alfa, and Audi were getting involved in chassis and engine building for the IRL?
Also have you looked at the line up for an IRL race recently, no they aren't amazing drivers, but they definiatly don't have names that Jethro's can connect with.

 

Negative - Ferdman is right...it's all Dallara / Honda. In this economy, that's best, but I won't really be interested until there's a change in chassis / engines and there's a reduction of ovals.

 

Then I'll wait a couple years then.

Thanks for saving me some time. lol

 

I haven't followed it much but how has the A1 GP thing done? The car certainly looks better in this photo than the Dalara. Ferrari powered 600 hp. Same as the Honda Earl (I like that) motor. Odd country teams thing. Has it been successful?
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Well, it's kinda hit and miss. Hard to follow here in the States due to a screwed up media contract. They have a lot schedule instability and some financial issues but seems to be a going concern right now. They just added Interlagos as the last race for the season.

 

From what I've heard, it's toast. Not sure if that's true, but it's not looking good.

Main problem is still funding a team. There's no sponsorship, no TV money, and if you don't have a gate, you're screwed.

If Tony George killed the IRL, but kept the Indy 500, then decided to start a "new" league in 2011 (when the new spec was to be put in effect), it may be a good thing. It wouldn't be called "IRL", and that may give the impression it's a new start.

He's got to be spending major Clabber Girl TonyBux on the IRL as it stands now. Ms. Hulman-George can't be thrilled about that.

 

"If Tony George killed the IRL,"


You lost me after that ....

 

I may have lost you, but don't discount this. Ms. Hulman-George is reportedly not too happy with all the money being thrown at it. Attendance is down (as is viewership) at the Indy 500.

Don't forget this is a money making enterprise. The family would be happy having the Indy 500, the Brickyard, and the MotoGP event (and possible return of F1) - why spend it on a loser like the IRL?

Far fetched - maybe, but the rumors are there.

 

???

Like Honda and Toyota ?

Maybe Nissan ??

 

So why would she be unhappy NOW when he threw something like 40-50 Million at the track to upgrade it to be able to have the F1 events ?

What he's throwing at the IRL today is peanuts in comparison.