Just after Lola released their minimal thoughts on the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series chassis, Swift Engineering released a deluge of information regarding their project including several renderings of three different variations of their design. The exciting aspect of the Swift release is the level of technological innovation the company is bringing to the table. If Swift is able to accomplish even half of what they propose in their press release from today, then IndyCar is in for one hell of a ride! American race car company, Swift Engineering, Inc. is…
Read MoreMonth: February 2010
IndyCar – The Lola Project
Today, both Lola and Swift announced their design concepts for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar chassis. First, lets examine the Lola statements. We’ll look at the Swift statements and concepts in the next article. Lola released no design concept rednerings with their announcement today, but stated that they might be publicly available as soon as the end of the week. Lola is certainly no stranger to IndyCar racing, having been a regular manufacturer during the CART era, and they have had lots of on-track success to back them up. However, their…
Read MoreRally – 1.6 Litre Turbo the Future
. The WRC is on the brink of making a decision in regards to its engine future and the 1.6 litre turbo looks to be the choice heading into the 2011 championship if last weeks talks come true. There has been much deliberation as to what engine would be run in the championship as they move into the super 2000 era. The championship currently supports a 2.0L turbo charged engine, however the Super 2000 regulations typically have a 1.6 litre naturally aspirated engine as the powerplant. That is one of…
Read MoreIndyCar – KV Rumored to Expand to Two Cars With Sato
Word from Grande Premio of Brazil is that former Super Aguri Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato has signed with KV Racing Technologies. While its not too surprising to hear that Sato has come over to IndyCar racing, it IS a bit of a surprise that he signed with KV. Here at OP, we were pretty much convinced that if he were to make it to the series, it would be with Gil de Ferran’s team. The article also goes on to say that Sato is the second driver for KV…
Read MoreIndyCar – The Dallara Project
Perhaps in response to all of the DeltaWing buzz, and in an effort to take some of the thunder away from the DeltaWing reveal on February 10th, Dallara has revealed images of three concepts for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series chassis. The three concepts center around three different design philosophies: one a traditional evolutionary design, one a conservative but evolutionary design, and one more radical evolutionary design. Let’s examine each one separately in light of the recently revealed, but not surprising, new chassis objectives: Safe, Raceable, Cost-Effective, American Made Less…
Read MoreIndyCar – On the 2012 Chassis Decision…. What About the Engine?
Three significant things came up this week on the 2012 chassis decision for the IRL. An article came out in USA Today with comments from Brian Barnhart, a chassis design criteria was released by the IndyCar Series and pictures of three chassis concepts started circulating from Dallara. The Leagues Design Criteria Safe: The new chassis must adhere to the league’s already high safety standards while exploring new technology to improve safety in all aspects of the car. Raceable: The new chassis must continue to produce the exciting racing that has…
Read MoreRally – Citroen DS3 Testing
Le Mans – Highcroft Amongst Le Mans Entries
An early entry list has been released for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race to be held later this year and on the list is the ALMS defending champions Highcroft in the LMP2 class. Highcroft will be entering the event for the first time ever and have stated the mission objective is victory in the LMP2 category. The team won the LMP1 championship in the ALMS season last year, however the team will be running an LMP2 Acura this year as the technical regulations change here in the states.…
Read MoreEpisode 24 – Open Paddock Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and i this week as we discuss bull riding, Wilson to Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, recap the Sno* Drift Rally and wrap up Formula 1 testing at Valencia. Stay tuned during the podcast to find out how to win free professional photos of the Pagoda…why? Because free stuff rules! Follow the instructions and post info in this text block after listening…good luck!
Read MoreRally – Skoda Sending Cars to South America
The factory Skoda team has decided to send two cars to South America for the next events on the IRC calendar. This shows an increase in Skoda’s rally program for 2010 and its intentions to push for the manufacturers title. The Czech team currently has the lead by four points over the M-Sport Fiesta team and more importantly a seven point advantage over Peugeot. Both Juho Hänninen and Jan Kopecký will contest both South American gravel events in an attempt to increase the lead. Also running a Fabia S2000 will…
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