[john70t]

Makes a lot of sense.
-When cornering, the weight distribution goes to the outside.
Instead of trying to keep a box-shape from twisting, this puts the torsional/etc load on the outer beam, which might allow for a lighter frame. The drawback is the tipping/rolling at lower speeds, but these are controlled by the wing, wheelbase, and height. Think fat tire 935.
-An open-wheel design naturally creates an air dam under the lower half of the wheel which creates lift under and drag behind. Channel that around and it would allow better grip(pehaps at the expense of some additional drag).
I'm suprised the golf-ball textures aren't used more.

Is it "cheating"? Hard to tell these days. If Indy was truely the "peak of technological application", they would have active surfaces, active Chaparral effects, leaning/flexing chassis etc... but the driver's brains would turn into meatpie by the 10th lap.