It Looks Something Like This?

This seems to be an age where people find it very difficult to keep secrects. Despite the Confidentiality agreements that the folks at Delta Wing LLC (see my previous front page article) have reportedly all signed, Indianapolis Star motor sports reporter Curt Cavin has been told that Ben Bowlby's new car bears a striking resemblance to the 1963 land speed record-setting Spirit of America.

Now the question is: will it be ready in time? The IRL will probably have to make a decision about the 2012 challenger at some point during the upcomming year (in order for sufficient testing/production time), and the Bowlby car reportedly hasn't progressed past the computer drawing/clay model stage at this point, with the first full scale car not expected until this summer.

While the IRL remains open to chassis competition and intrigued by Bowlby's concept, league CEO Jeff Belskus issued a warning that the clock is ticking. "I think the Delta Wing folks need to prove themselves. They need to prove that they can produce a safe, reliable, less-costly car. That's what we're looking forward to seeing."

Meanwhile, Dallara doesn't look to be willing to conceed the fight any time soon. The Italian chassis maker has vowed to set up a production facility right in Indianapolis to build their 2012-era car, should it get the IRL's blessing. They have also committed to reducing the price on it to nearly half of the current car, which sells for around $300,000 apeice.