1 to 3 in one week = fewer D/H/F in 2012

1 to 3 in one week = fewer D/H/F in 2012

INDYCAR has taken major steps in the last week to restore the stepping stones that made it one of the most diverse and popular racing series in the early 1990’s. Last week, American manufacturer GM, announced that Chevrolet would return to INDYCAR for the first time since 2005. Just two days ago Dallara broke ground on a seven million dollar facility that will construct and develop the next generation of IndyCars. And lastly, Lotus will announce that they will be the third engine manufacturer for INDYCAR in 2012, today at the Los Angles auto show. Lotus entry into the engine competition was a walk off home run type release, as they barley made the deadline set by INDYCAR of November 16th Hawaii time.

What does all this mean?

It means that for the first time since 2005, the D/H/F that we see next to every entry at every INDYCAR race, will drastically change in 2012. INDYCAR literally has 16, hopefully 17, more entry sheets of D/H/F lined up and then when 2012 rolls around, we can see the likes of D/C/F, (Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone), or will the first letter represent the Aero Kit on the car? This would give us a C/C/F (Chevrolet/Chevrolet/Firestone), I guess if we see someone select the Dallara aero kit, stick with Honda, we will still see some D/H/F in 2012, but not the whole field. This friends, is exactly what INDYCAR needs and wants to promote growth in the series and for their sponsors.

So confirming Lotus, Chevy, and Honda as engine manufactures’, and assuming they all build their own Aero kits that gives us three and three. Dallara will produce a standard Aero Kit, that’s three and four, lets just throw in one more bonus Aero Kit producer and we now have the potential for five different looking IndyCar’s powered by three different sources.
From a Baseball standpoint, that’s hitting a triple when your just trying to put the ball in play, from a Football standpoint, that’s completing a sixty yard pass when its third and 20, and from a basketball standpoint that’s like Butler making it all the way to the NCAA Championship, ok maybe that’s a reach on the Basketball standpoint.

All in all, Randy Bernard and ICONIC team (with some help from open wheel vets Penske and Kalkhoven) has secured a very good platform for 2012 and beyond. INDYCAR still has work to do to get back to the level of the early 1990’s, but they are pointed in the right direction.

Speedway Redevelopment Commission breaks ground on the future Dallara plant

The Speedway Redevelopment Commission formally broke ground today on the future home of Italian automobile manufacturer Dallara. Dallara will relocate to Main Street in Speedway’s first redevelopment area, which is located within walking distant of turn one of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Dallara is an excellent fit for our community, as we share a mutual dedication to the racing industry, innovation and advanced technology,” said Vince Noblet, president of the SRC. “Today’s celebration truly embodies the spirit of Speedway and marks a major milestone in our town’s redevelopment vision. As the home to the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indianapolis 500, we are proud to be a part of the continued success of the motorsports industry in Indiana and the world.”

Dallara is expected to move into the new technology center on Main Street by the winter of 2011. This facility will eventually include an automotive production area, quality control and technical sections, an engineering center, an interactive area, a restaurant and a state of the art driving simulator.

On a cold Indiana day, with overcast skies and temperatures in the high 30’s, the Dallara groundbreaking couldn’t have been better a step for INDYCAR. “As this new Dallara facility positions Speedway for future growth, the cost-effective package that will be produced here will also position the series for growth, and will foster the tradition of innovation in open-wheel racing and the Town of Speedway,” said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR.

Nearly 200 people turned out for the ground breaking ceremonies at 1201 Main Street, Speedway, Indiana. Among the notables in attendance, current IZOD IndyCar drivers Graham Rahal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Davy Hamilton, past Indy 500 Champions Al Unser Jr and Bobby Rahal, current Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, members of the Hulman-George family, and several representatives from Dallara, including Mr. Gian Paolo Dallara.

Demolition of the former building on the sit will be completed in December and will cost approximately $100,000, funded by the SRC. Construction on the new Dallara and Indy Racing Experience Facility will begin immediately after demolition concludes.

Photos: Karen Vance

Dallara ground breaking set for Tuesday, November 16th

The picture above is the home of the future Dallara plant that will produce the next generation of IndyCars

Italian chassis manufacturer Dallara will formally break ground on their new United States factory, in the heart of IndyCar country, Speedway Indiana. Dallara, which was named the 2012 chassis manufacture of the IZOD IndyCar Series, has been involved with IndyCar since 1997, in the early years of the Indy Racing League.

Mr. Gian Paolo Dallara birthday is November 16th, and he will be celebrating it at the groundbreaking ceremonies, along with several other representatives from Dallara. The Dallara factory, which will be built on Main Street in Speedway, will also have the Indy Racing Experience attached to it, and representatives from the IRE should be in attendance as well.

The announcement will also be a big boost to the Speedway Redevelopment plan. The factory is expected to produce over 70 new jobs in Speedway, and also pave the way for more companies to relocate to Speedway, Indiana as part of their master redevelopment plan. Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels are also expected to be in attendance.

Randy Bernard has invited several drivers to attend the ground breaking, and Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Automobiles, is expected to attend as well. Fiat Group is the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy.

Tune in to IndyCar Garage for more details and look for a special edition of IndyCar Garage Weekly the day of the ground breaking.