Indycar 2024

[astrochex]

^But what would it cost the teams?

I agree the Indycar package needs some freshening up and I really like the idea of more powertrain options, but that is a big ask in the current low-risk development environment.

[cockerpunk]

when honda pulls out for nascar, as the rumor is going, indy will be in a lurch for sure.

[Deschodt]

The way F1 went, Indycar had a chance to make itself more appealing and pick up new fans...by going 100% opposite of the small turbo engine and hybrid route... Go High revving NA engine, make shrieking noise !!! But nope...they too are going hybrid soon. I've been at a few races in person and they do not sound that exciting now, can't imagine with some batteries. St Pete was about as boring as Bahrein F1, add a few yellows for the usual bunch-up and negate the leaders' efforts, yeah same old ... Open wheel racing is seriously boring so far in 2024.

[Zeke]

I enjoyed the racing. It's good to be back in the season.

[CurtEgerer]

Supposedly, the new hybrid engine will be introduced at Mid-Ohio. It's not like the GTP hybrid system. It will basically be a 60HP push-to-pass hybrid. The cars will also have the existing 50HP push-to-pass turbo-based system. It's 2 separate buttons that can be pushed at the same time if desired for around 850HP. I still think - assuming one needs a method to make passing easier - that the 'use it wherever you want until it runs out push-to-pass' is a far better system than the incredibly stupid DRS system in F1.

Another consideration in sharing the IMSA GTP engine is that you've already got Ganassi, Penske, Andretti, and Rahal running both series so it seems like it would be a relatively easy switch.

[Zeke]

Bringing up 'passing' options, I am not in favor of the devices. It's plays into the more strategy hand rather than simple racing. I also think ultra fast pit stops are unnecessary. Just deciding when to pit in a lot of races is enough strategy. I think a mandatory pit time would complicate the matter so I don't have a solution.

Hybrid Indy cars is only acceding to the trend.


Fueling of stock cars is Neanderthal. They need to get rid of those cans but then that will disrupt the tire change. There are no easy answers.

[CurtEgerer]

Opinions on this coming weekend's non-points race at the private Thermal Club??? Gimmick. I don't like it Drivers with a shot at the Championship are not going to risk the car or an engine. Young guys trying to prove themselves and get a pay day? They'll probably go for it. And it's no longer a '1 Million Dollar to the Winner race' even though they're still advertising it as such.

[astrochex]

It seems like it will pay well. Here is an excellent piece that provides clarification.

https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2024/03/18/indycar-1-million-challenge-the-thermal-club-answers-questions-purse-qualifying-heat-races/72997962007/

[Zeke]

I, too, think this is out of character for the series. Restrictions on chassis and engines should not include this event. No points, no gain in running it. Racers be racers, though.

NASCAR has had their non points races and the teams run hard but they keep next week's car in the hauler. but I guess they aren't restricted on chassis and engines either.

[greglepore]

Most of the "racers" ie those with championship hopes, have said that they won't risk engines (restricted in # and change frequency) and chassis for no points. We'll see if that survives red mist.

[Reg]

PR disaster this weekend event will likely turn to be. I hope I am wrong. They need a major investment in the package. Better tv. Running 12 yr old cars in the 500??? C’mon. It used to be so much better.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Reg

PR disaster this weekend event will likely turn to be. I hope I am wrong. They need a major investment in the package. Better tv. Running 12 yr old cars in the 500??? C’mon. It used to be so much better.

Over the last 12 years each year the qualifying speed was greater than the year before. Last year was the all time record. Do they need a new car?

If so, I bet they slow it down. The various sanctions (USAC et al) have done this at last 2wice in history.

Well, and the new power train is coming right after the 500.

[Reg]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Over the last 12 years each year the qualifying speed was greater than the year before. Last year was the all time record. Do they need a new car?

If so, I bet they slow it down. The various sanctions (USAC et al) have done this at last 2wice in history.

Well, and the new power train is coming right after the 500.

The series needs something. The WEC and F1 are showcasing innovation and high tech. I’ve been watching Indycar for years and it’s getting harder to keep interested. Hoping it’s just me and they have a good season.

[WSH]

Just the opposite for me
Huge, lifelong F1 fan and it just sucks.
One Dominant team after another...Ferrari (schumi), Red Bell, M-B, now Red Bull again
And the high tech sucks...EVERYONE would prefer screaming N/A V-10/V-12 over the hybrid nonsense
And despite the "Constructors" moniker, all the cars end up looking alike, with only Adrian Newey's genius to separate them

Indycar is much more competitive and interesting to watch; I hope they don't screw it up

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Reg

The series needs something. The WEC and F1 are showcasing innovation and high tech. I’ve been watching Indycar for years and it’s getting harder to keep interested. Hoping it’s just me and they have a good season.

Everyone has criticism. Some don't like the Oscars. I don't criticize the Oscars, I just don't watch. Lots of people don't like stock cars. I don't particularly like short track. And yet last Sunday's race was unanimously declared the strangest race any of the drivers had raced.

It showed.

Indy Car has its moments. Those guys are on the edge of control anytime they are not in fuel saving mode. I don't care for the fuel deal but it's racing.

Somehow, though, as bad as it can be, I don't see myself glued to the TV over a golf tournament or tennis. I've played both. And I've raced. I think I know what it takes to get to top tier. I probably never could have even if I had the money.

So I see things like an avid golfer would see while watching the PGA. And I'm here to tell you that NASCAR Cup drivers are very, very good. That being said, Indy drivers are also good. F1 is something else, but you know what? F1 bores me. It's too good.

[greglepore]

Yeah. F1 is a technical exercise where very rarely does the driver have much to do with the outcome. Put Lewis in a Red Bull and he'd have Max's results, maybe even Fernando. Its a parade to watch.
I despise the 12 y/o chassis in Indycar, but the racing pretty much is on team prep and driver talent, not who got the secret sauce right for the new regs.
And Sebring proved that Imsa, despite BOP nonsense, is fascinating.
Nascar hasn't held my interest for many years, but Bristol was something. They should give them tire deg at every track.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by greglepore

Yeah. F1 is a technical exercise where very rarely does the driver have much to do with the outcome. Put Lewis in a Red Bull and he'd have Max's results, maybe even Fernando. Its a parade to watch.
I despise the 12 y/o chassis in Indycar, but the racing pretty much is on team prep and driver talent, not who got the secret sauce right for the new regs.
And Sebring proved that Imsa, despite BOP nonsense, is fascinating.
Nascar hasn't held my interest for many years, but Bristol was something. They should give them tire deg at every track.

Please explain. And what is BOP?

[Reg]

….and they didn’t all smash up in first corner in first race. That was good.

Agreed the spec aspect gives more drivers a chance. Maybe it’s the TV coverage. It’s just missing what it had prior to split.

I can fall asleep watching golf and auto racing. Tennis seems to hold me better but only watch occasionally. The women maybe have something to do with it.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Reg

….and they didn’t all smash up in first corner in first race. That was good.

Agreed the spec aspect gives more drivers a chance. Maybe it’s the TV coverage. It’s just missing what it had prior to split.

I can fall asleep watching golf and auto racing. Tennis seems to hold me better but only watch occasionally. The women maybe have something to do with it.

Well, yeah, you're going back to when Foyt was still in a car. The CART days — the good ol' days.

[Por_sha911]

BOP is balance of performance. If your car is too fast they add more weight on to slow you down. It is supposed to be so that it is more about driver skill BUT there is so much politics going on it seems likes some teams don't get penalized like others.