There will be “three new engines powering” the Izod IndyCar Series next season, but team owners voted unanimously “against introducing the bodywork kits until 2013,” according to Robin Miller of SPEEDTV.com. IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said, “The owners voted Saturday in Brazil that they didn’t want to do the new bodywork kits next year. IndyCar’s position is that we want it for our fans and our manufacturers but I guess we can’t make the owners do it.” He added, “I haven’t spoken with Lotus yet but Honda and GM said they would do whatever is needed. It will be a significant savings for them next year." The plan was for Dallara “to build the tub with its own bodywork/aero kit and the three engine manufacturers would also design personal aero kits that had to be sold for $75,000.” But owners “just want to all run the Dallara with whatever engine package they obtain.” Team Owner Roger Penske said, “I heard people are saying it’s Penske and Chevrolet thing but there were 15 people in that room who all voted the same way.’’ But Target/Ganassi Racing Managing Dir Mike Hull said, “I told them I think we’re making a big mistake here. I want bodywork kits. I don’t care what it takes because I’m tired of racing spec cars” (SPEEDTV.com, 5/3). Bernard said, “I have heard from the team owners, which is very important to me … that we are a team working together. I want to make sure that they’re being heard and that I respect their opinion. At the same time, we have to do what’s in the best interest of IndyCar.” Bernard said the reaction from the car manufacturers “has been mixed” because it is a “lot of money to lay out there” (“IndyCar Open Wheel Weekly,” Versus, 5/3).
GOSSAGE QUESTIONS INDYCAR AGAIN: In a special to ESPN DALLAS, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage wrote under the header, "IndyCar Team Owners Drop The Ball." IndyCar fans have "loudly, vociferously, clearly stated that they do not want a spec series." Fans "did not want the cars to all look alike" and "were clear that they wanted to see, easily, the difference from car to car." Gossage: "So once again, IndyCar team owners refuse to hear the fans. ... Don't complain about the lack of sponsors, poor TV ratings and certainly don't complain about a lack of fans. You did it to yourself. Enjoy your elite little country club" (ESPNDALLAS.com, 5/4).
