Jan 21
Keep the Submissions Coming – They Mean More than You Might Think!
Thanks to all the passionate racing fans who have posted a comment, criticism, design or photo regarding the redesign of the open-wheel race car. We’ve enjoyed the ideas and the good-natured debate. But don’t let up. This forum will keep accepting submissions on the topic until March 15, 2010, at which time a random winner will be given the opportunity to be VIP guest of HVM Racing at the 2010 Indy 500.
“Even though this forum is in a fun environment, don’t think your participation is frivolous. Your opinions are being read by many and considered by some like me, while contemplating our future. So, for those of you who have said, ‘No one is really going to care what the fans think,’ I for one say you could be surprised!” – Keith Wiggins, team principal and owner, HVM Racing
8 comments8 Comments so far
Thanks, that’s good to hear. Keep it up!
I’m just glad that there are people like yourself that are willing to stand up to the IRL! From what I have seen on your blog there is no silent majority on this web site! I respect everyone’s ideas! I just hope that we see something close to the DP01 with 800-900 H.P. and a turbo. Thanks again for starting this site and giving the fans a voice.
Sincerely,
Scott J. Narvesen
Thanks for taking comments from the fans. Manly tears. I appreciate the effort.
The open wheel spec shpuld include an affordable chassis with wake avoidance. It should maintain a “look” thats attractive to sponsors with large sides. It should use a 2.0-2.4L 4 cylinder turbocharged powerplant.
Please look at a hybrid of the Lola/Swift proposals.
Thanks for asking for our opinions!
I want to start by saying that I agree with and appreciate the engineering and competition goals of the Delta Wing project. I like the concept of the Universal Engine. And I support a 4cyl turbo. I have a 2.0ltr turbo in my personal car and I think that small displacement/turbo/economical engines is the future of the automotive industry. Just crank up the hp for racing. I disagree with some individual’s concerns of hearing 4cyl’s at Indy. I personally love the sounds of World Rally Cars! IndyCar does need closer racing and easier passing. Nascar has set a standard of expectations for American fans and corporate sponsors.
That being said, the Delta Wing proposal is the ugliest ‘IndyCar’ concept that I could have imagined they would introduce. I would be truly disappointed if the Delta Wing were chosen as the 2012 car and as a die-hard IndyCar/ChampCar fan, that car would cause me to seriously reconsider my following of IndyCar. The on-track simulations make the racing look laughable. I’ve shown the Delta Wing to my wife (who, in full disclosure, is actually a motorsports fan), my parents, co-workers, other racing fans and car guys who aren’t into racing. I have yet to find someone who actually likes the car or who doesn’t view it as a joke/phallic symbol.
Lola: Probably my favorite by a very slim margin over the Swift. Great looking car. Love the styling (although not a fan of Dorsal Fins at all). They do appear to have done work to create downforce by the underbody. They seem to have developed something similar to Swift’s ‘mushroom buster’ for closer racing. Love the tub-sharing concept between IndyCar and Lights. Love the multiple body/same performance concept. They did address the wheel protection issue. And the sidepods seem to be larger for more sponsor signage.
Swift: #23 – A very, very close second place. Beautiful car. Love the Mushroom Buster concept. But not quite a fan of the open engine cowling (although once Indycar has multiple engine manufacturers again, I can appreciate the badging/marketing). The Swift lights are almost a bit much – it would be sensory overload and would make teams strategies public to all teams. I do wish that they would increase sponsor visibility in the design. I don’t feel as though the sidepods are conducive to this. #32 – Not a big fan. Looks more like an ALMS prototype. But would beg for this car if it were between this and the Delta Wing.
Dallara: Maroon Car: Same as current car. Hate Dorsal Fins. Yellow Car: I’d be ok with this one. Good looking car, but replace the airbox for a turbo. I like the larger/angled sidepods (similar to Honda’s concept). Red Car: AJ Foyt ran that car 30 years ago. Awful.
I hope this is the kind of feedback HVM is looking for. Thanks again for listening.
nickh360
Fishers, IN
I will be happy with anything, as long as the Delta Wing concept isn’t used.
That is the ugliest concept I have ever seen… Everybody I’ve shown it to (non-motorsport fans such as people at work, friends etc) have laughed and said “thats funny, so what does the actual car look like, stop kidding around”. When told that IS the actual delta wing concept, most people give me a blank stare followed by a comment like “It looks like a combination of a 50’s land speeder car and a penis”.
The IRL gets paid out enough by other racing series, the last thing we need is for the teams to be racing cars which look like mechanical genitals.
The Delta Wing concept made me check my calendar 4 times to make sure it wasn’t April 1st. Then, I started to cry. Please, for the love of God, the kids don’t like 60’s land speed racers. I have a friend who follows F1 exclusively and he laughed for over a minute. It will be too painful to go on if this happens…
Here is an image with my ideas.
The official ptroposals are interesting, but the Deltawing, if built, would be an oversteering nightmare.
What they really should do, is build all of the proposals in equal numbers, and just let them go race!