Cosworth

I seem to recall reading that they have been doing specialty engineering and manufacturing for the aerospace industry. That is just from memory though -- don't take it as gospel.

- Eric

 

Cosworth is owned by Kevin Kalkovainian who just merged Champ with the IRL. Champ then filed bankruptcy today. Probably to avoid lawsuits over canceled races. Maybe also because of no assets. I also read where there were making aircraft pistons. They certainly would like to supply engines when, and if the new Indy car series allows other suppliers to participate. The IRL contact with Honda went to the end of 2009 and some speculate that Tony George didn't want a spec engine past that to allow others. Kalkovainian is also KV Racing with Jimmy Vasser and will be in the new Indy Car.

 

They have a facility in California that makes specialty machinings, too.

 

My speculation. TG went to Japan to try and resolve the conflict of the Long Beach and Motegi dates. He was not successful because he wouldn't commit to Honda engines past 2009 because Tony has commitments to many to get past a spec car series.

Maybe like before. Lola, Dallara, Panoz, Swift for cars. Honda, Cosworth, Toyota and who else for engines. How about a Porsche RS Spyder engine in a Penske Lola?

 

In the merger press conference Kalkovanian said Cosworth had many other activities outside of racing to concentrate on.

 

They also laid off 200 in Europe. Means they have facilities not running that could. Champ, KK, and GF screwed up when they scheduled races in Europe and Korea without talking to Ford. Ford said " You are going to do what?'
Ford was pissed and bailed on Champ. No longer Ford Cosworth, just Cosworth.

I think KK wants engines in the show, but there's a year of politics to play.

 

That would be cool. Remember the early 80's when Teo Fabi drove the Porsche Indy car (Skoal Bandit)? I wish they would've stuck around.

- Joe

 

When Ford was selling Jaguar F1, they split Cosworth up - there are two "Cosworth"s. Cosworth Engineering, which does the Caterham CSR engines and other customer engineering projects, and Cosworth Racing, which was sold to the owners of Champcar and did their engines.

For several years they have been completely separate and distinct entities, so you have to be careful to not confuse one for the other!

 

I have a friend that works in the California facility and he has said that they are super busy with customer motors...ie. vintage racers and dirt midgets, etc. He just finished his own personal project of the installation of a BDA Cosworth in his Lotus Cortina. Straight up swap with no mods.

 

Can you get pics to post???