IndyCar team co-Owner Sam Schmidt "has expressed alarm at the escalating cost of entering the Verizon IndyCar Series, which he believes prevents team owners from turning the series’ positive trends into tangible improvements on their own bottom lines," according to David Malsher of MOTORSPORT.com. Schmidt said that this issue "is why some teams are considering downsizing" for '16. He added, "I’m encouraged by the momentum we seem to have at last -- increased spectator attendance in general, improving TV figures. And every newcomer we bring to a race seems to leave impressed and we hope becomes a fan for life. But right now I don’t think that upward trend is keeping pace with the rising costs. ... You’ll never hear me complain about spending money on safety improvements, or things that will put more butts in seats. But when IndyCar decided to introduce aero kits for 2015, I said, ‘Fine, just tell me why we’re doing it so we can measure its effect 12, 18 or 24 months later, quantify its success and whether it was worth the extra cost.’ Well, so far I don’t see what effect it has had that benefits the sport and it’s very difficult to cover the costs. You never get caught up." Schmidt "has long been an advocate of IndyCar expanding its geographical reach, and using that to also land lucrative international TV deals." He believes that this policy "would also tap into a different driver and sponsor market." Schmidt: "Like any business that’s been driven more by enthusiasm than dollars, the only longterm solution is to increase revenue or decrease costs -- and preferably both, to speed up the series’ momentum. I’m turning over every rock I can, and it is virtually impossible to justify a team owner’s expenditure while we have just a U.S.-plus-Toronto-based calendar. So I’m definitely in favor of international races because it opens up a whole other realm of possible participation, drivers and sponsors" (MOTORSPORT.com, 10/20).
HONDA ON HOLD: RACER's Marshall Pruett reported Honda "is continuing to hold back on signing a new engine supply deal with IndyCar until the series confirms whether its request to make additional modifications to its aero kit will be granted." Honda "requested special dispensation to make off-season upgrades to its aero package beyond those typically allowed within the regulations after being comprehensively beaten by Chevrolet in the manufacturers' championship this year." A final ruling was "expected earlier this month." Honda Performance Development VP & COO Steve Eriksen: "I don't think we'll hear anything within this month. It's a process. ... It's a combination of factors that's dragging it on longer than we thought. We still have our eye on the ball on when we need to have aero kit parts ready by, and work backward from that date. We're OK. We're not in the shipping expedite zone yet. If it doesn't go too much longer, we should be fine" (RACER.com, 10/20).
WELCOME TO THE SHOW: In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin noted Indy Lights champion Spencer Pigot "has landed an IndyCar Series gig" for the '16 season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, which will have him run at least three races though the "intent is to have more opportunities once sponsorship deals are in place." The three races "will be funded by Andersen Promotions through the Mazda Road to Indy program that supports the reigning Indy Lights champion." Pigot will join RLL full-time driver Graham Rahal on the team "beginning with the season-opening street course event March 13 in St. Petersburg, Fla." Pigot "also will drive in both May races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: the Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 14 and the Indianapolis 500 on May 29" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 10/21).
