By now, I’m sure most of you have seen the renderings of the new universal bodywork for the DW12 or IR-12 as it is more officially known. Before last season was over, we learned that the common body would finally lose the airbox over the driver’s head. I say finally because I have never cared for that look on a race car and was disappointed when the Dallara and g-Force chassis were both introduced for the 1997 IRL season. When I saw the look, I cringed. But that was before I heard the dreadful sound that the Oldsmobile and Infiniti engines made. That horrible drone overshadowed any shortcomings in the look of the car.
Archive for March, 2017
Next Year Is Looking Good Already
Posted in IndyCar on March 31, 2017 by OilpressureThe Struggle To Stay On Top Of The Mountain
Posted in IndyCar on March 29, 2017 by Oilpressure
Two and a half weeks ago, Sébastien Bourdais scored an improbable victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Some may ask why I would use the word “improbable” to describe the feat of a four-time IndyCar champion. The reason is two-fold. First, it’s because Bourdais scored the win after starting from the back of the field in last place. It took Bourdais only thirty-seven laps to make it to the front. Once he got there, he stayed. The other reason is because his new team, Dale Coyne Racing (DCR), is not used to winning very often – especially after starting in the back.
A Taste Of May In March
Posted in IndyCar on March 27, 2017 by Oilpressure
I had big plans for this past weekend. There was a Honda test scheduled at IMS for all day Saturday. When I first heard about it a couple of weeks ago, I thought what a great idea it would be for Susan and me to hop in the car, do a one-day turnaround and make a very full day of it. I contacted my friend, Paul Dalbey from More Front Wing, who lives about half the distance from IMS than I do. He and his fiancé were going to meet us there.
The Indianapolis 500 In Prime-Time?
Posted in IndyCar on March 24, 2017 by Oilpressure
There is not much debate that I am a traditionalist, especially when it comes to the Indianapolis 500. Being a traditionalist requires a good bit of inflexibility. After all, if you calmly go with the flow without any griping or complaining – can you really and truly call yourself a traditionalist? We traditionalist like to gripe and complain about anything that changes something true to our heart – no matter if it’s a good idea or not.
It’s Time To Rethink Alexander Rossi
Posted in IndyCar on March 22, 2017 by Oilpressure
When Alexander Rossi took the checkered flag in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 last May, I’ll admit I was more than just a little bummed. After months of buildup and hype for such a milestone event, it was just a little disappointing to have a rookie win the race on a fuel-mileage gamble.
A Break In The IndyCar Schedule
Posted in IndyCar on March 20, 2017 by Oilpressure
It seems that lots of people have been complaining in the past week about how IndyCar dropped the ball by not having another race between last week’s season-opening race at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 9th. Many have scolded IndyCar for not having a second race in that time frame at Homestead.
Racing From Home – A Rant
Posted in IndyCar on March 17, 2017 by Oilpressure
My wife will say I’m cheap. In fact, Susan may have even said that on this site before in one of her posts. I consider myself thrifty, but not cheap. On race weekends, I’m happy staying in a Quality Inn as opposed to the Westin. I just want it to be relatively clean and close to the track. Susan would probably choose the Westin. I tend to not be frivolous on some things.
Oilpressure 