I am flying up to see the race. Will let you guys know how it goes. My hope for Rubens is a top 10 finish. MB
It's a bit unfair to the "rookies" that the first oval race of the year is Indy. Straight to the "big dog". And for all his F1 experience, Rubins is a "rookie" at ovals. (Although Sato did pretty well on his first ever oval race, a couple years back.) I'm a bit suspicious of the formula that has "Chevy" suddenly whoopin' the Hondas that have been with the series all along. (Does Chevy even make a turbo mill for production?) I hate it when racing gets political.
Shame about the Lotus situation (although I'm echoing countless others). Turbo Chevys? Technically yes, Cruze and Sonic. Trucks too, perhaps?
Alesi qualified -10 seconds. I can't believe they will let him race 10 seconds a lap slower. Is there a 107% rule?
Either they allow Lotus to run qualifying boost for the race or the cars retire within 15 laps citing "Handling" issues.
Remember Milka Duno? With the Lotus situation, they only had 33 cars show up to qualify, and they need all 33 billboards running around the track. Indy has become more of a media event than a serious race in the Indycar series. They had a harsh reminder, last year at Vegas, about the dangers of putting too many cars on a fast track. But with all the TV coverage for Indy, they can't miss the chance to put the ads in front of the cameras. Besides: they gave the Chevys extra boost for quali that they won't get for the race, so the difference won't be quite as pronounced, although there have been calls to let the two Lotus entries (Silvestro and Alesi) add boost for the race. Given the Americas-oriented bias of the series, I doubt they'll give the Lotus cars with the Euro drivers anything extra. Did you see the interview with Rubens after practice? He sounds pretty nervous about the oval race. Anyone else thinking about ordering a "Bread Bowl Pasta" for "carb day"?
Just like anything else, I suppose one can legitimately take either side of the Indy 500 being one of the greatest motor car races debate, but to think that entering turn 1 at 230mph or anything else about the 500 is boring is misstating reality. While not a fan of the new semi-open wheel look, the racing is still as serious as ever.
EVERYONE got extra boost for qualifying , not like Chevy needed help... they have already dominated the series this year and it has been Honda that got new turbo's.
I could very well be mistaken as I don't generally follow this series. But, it's Indy and Rubens still interests me, so I tuned in and *think* I heard 'em say it was 109% (?) - Which both Fauxti are outside AFAIK. OTOH, as has been said, they want a full grid, so I have no idea...... As for the cars! Holy-moley, they're fugly! To think "we" whine about the current F1 cars! They're positively beautiful compared to these things! And the "Indy aero package" has made 'em even worse than before. Go Rubens! Cheers, Ian
It´s miserable than the best driver of all of them as to drive the worst car!!!! Poor Jean, as always in his carrer he will drive a crap car...at least he is already used to it!!! I stil dont understand how he got into this.....on the other hand, choosing cars was never his strong point!!!
The rule is 105%. And as far as the cars looks are concerned, I saw them in person this past Saturday. I was one of the harshest critics of the aesthetics at the start, but they look MUCH better in person than they do on the TV. I promise you that. Also, next year aero kits will be introduced. The regulations should be announced in a few weeks. http://indycar.com/en/News/2012/05-May/5-12-Aero-kit-regulations-on-the-way The evolution will continue in 2013 with the introduction of multiple aero kits, potentially providing distinctions between many of the 33 starters. Phillips said aero kit rules will be distributed "very shortly" to entities that have expressed interest in the project, and he expects to receive entries by the end of the month. As proposed when the new car was unveiled in July 2010, aero kits will be an open development area open to any company that meets INDYCAR requirements. Oval and road course kits will have a capped cost to teams. The expense of doing an engine program just to allow you to do an aero kit is prohibitive, Phillips said. Trying to entice manufacturers or third-party suppliers to come in and do an aero kit, yes its not cheap, but its not nearly as expensive as doing an engine program as well. So you dont have to do an engine to do an aero kit. Phillips also noted that INDYCAR is speaking to another engine manufacturer, who could join competition in 2014.
You are 100% false. I've followed the series for well over 15 years. There is change happening at every turn. What do you think the new Chassis and Aerodynamics package are? What do you think the new Chevy engine is? These cars are doing more with less in every way shape and form. If you think the Indy car inovation is gone I'm really not sure what you're watching.
I agree with you that the innovation has actually returned to the series but..........don't forget some here have been following the series for 30+yrs. Anyway I'm looking forward to the race as always. Heck any sunday where I can watch three different series from sunrise till sunset is a good day in my book.
