Honda stymied by lack of rules clarification

[John S]

So F1 is not the only series with problems about the rules for future seasons, according to F1Racing.net. Is this connected with the departure of Tony George or does an outside body decide the rules 'a la Formula One'? 

I like Honda's proposed solution, sounds more Bernie than Bernie himself.

Honda has expressed its desires to receive full definitions of rules by insisting that organisers of the championship fully define changed technical regulations ahead of the 2012 season. With modifications previously due for 2011, delays in talks have forced the date to be moved back by a year.

With the Japanese manufacturer wanting to have introduced a V6 unit by 2011, delays in talks have forced the company to now push for changes in 2012.

"If we get into the first quarter of next year and it continues to draw out, we won't be able to do it for 2012," Erik Berkman, of Honda Performance Development, told Autosport.

"We need to know by Christmas so we can put it in place and budget for it; there's been some communication but our last roundtable was some time ago - I would say it's time for us to have another one.

"There's nothing that says we can't broker a deal if we all get together in one room, turn up the heat, and agree not to leave until we have a deal."

[Jericoke]

With a single supplier, you'd think engine negotiations would be much simpler.  I guess IRL must have an alternate lined up.

Of course, IRL's management is going through a shakeup, how much progress can be expected at the moment?

Finally, V6s?  Seriously?  I understand improvements in fuel efficiency, and everyone wants cost cutting, but I just like the idea of giant engines in race cars   

[Scott]

One of the fastest production cars ever produced in the US was the Buick Grand National which had a supercharged V6 that could rarely be beaten, even by the biggest V8's on the block.

[cosworth151]

Audi, Fiat, Porsche, and Volkswagen are in negotiations to supply IRL engines. From everything I've seen, 2012 has been the target date from the start. Currently under consideration are V8's, V6 turbos and inline 4 turbos.

The league is also looking at the possibility of more than one chassis supplier.

[Jericoke]

Audi, Fiat, Porsche, and Volkswagen are in negotiations to supply IRL engines. From everything I've seen, 2012 has been the target date from the start. Currently under consideration are V8's, V6 turbos and inline 4 turbos.

The league is also looking at the possibility of more than one chassis supplier.

I'd like to see IRL with more variety.  I might even start to watch them again ;-)

[lkjohnson1950]

Honda reportedly gave the IRL an ultimatim, saying they did not want to be the sole provider of engines. They don't think it's much of a deal to be beating themselves every race. The IRL has been trying to get another manufacturer to sign up, but the manufacturers are divided on whether to do turbo 4s or V6s. I gather no one wants to continue V8s. The problem is to get someone to commit to supplying several teams and to get the teams to agree to leave Honda. The IRL is hesitating on the rules until they get 2 or 3 companies to agree on the specs and commit to the series. Sort of a Catch 22.

Lonny

[Jericoke]

Does the IRL still require production model engines?

[cosworth151]

Does the IRL still require production model engines?

No, they don't. That rule has been gone for some time.

I gather no one wants to continue V8s.

Almost all of the fans do. So did Tony.

[Jericoke]

I gather no one wants to continue V8s.

Almost all of the fans do. So did Tony.

The eternal struggle:  do you listen to the existing fans, or change things up, to gain new fans (and keep suppliers happy).

I do miss IndyCar from the 80s.  Tough to say what made it work for me... hope they get it back, or find something new.

[lkjohnson1950]

They need an engine/chassis combination that won't let them run flat out at so many tracks.

Lonny

[Scott]

Simple - lose most of the ovals