2012 IndyCar: Dallara/????
By Andrew Cutler
July 14 2010
Instead of simply choosing one of the five proposed 2012 spec IndyCar chassis as a complete package, the ICONIC committee has, in as much as was possible, thrown the door open to competion and varitey. What has been decided is that, while long-time partner Dallara Automobili will provide the base tub and framework, and ANYONE who is interested can provide the remaining bodywork.
The Dallara 'base' car will cost $349,000, almost half of the current car. From there, other manufactures are being invited to provide their ideas for front and rear wings, engine and sidepod housings, and other body bits. As long as the pieces meet safety requirements and IRL design spec limits and can be purchased for around $70,000 for a full kit, then they will be welcome.
In an effort to keep costs down for some of the less well funded squads, no single car can be fitted with more than two seperate 'body styles' over the course of a season.
IRL vice president of cometiton and ICONIC committee member Brian Barnhardt summed it up like this; “Historically, increased competition means increased costs. What’s really excited is we feel we’ve achieved a solution that solves both of those challenges. It looks as if we’ll create an opportunity for competition, innovation and relevant technology while reducing the cost of participation nearly in half in running costs.”
Another ICONIC member, former FIA technical consultant Tony Purnell, issued a direct challenge to any company - or individual designer - who may be looking at the new opportunity now before them. "Come on Ford, GM, Lotus, Ferrari. Come on Lockhead and General Electric. Come on you young engineers who might be working in small shops and garages. We've done our best to provide the framework for you to showcase your technical prowess without the need for a major raid on your piggybank."
As part of the 'deal', Dallara has committed to building a facility in Indianapolis to produce the base car.
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Nice work guys. Nice work committee. Nice job, Indy Racing. Now, let's see what we get for engines and this could turn out to be more fun that Formula One for everyone!
John
I agree that this has the potential to be something very good - but how it works out will depend on how many companies decide to give it a try. This was obviously a best-faith effort to say to BAT/Swift/Lola; "We might not have picked your car as a whole, but PLEASE stick around anyway!"
At first glacne, I am pleased: Now let's see how this plays out.
