Insanely Fast
11/2/2009I hope the so-called "leaders" of Indy Car racing - yes, the same ones who grabbed the wheel 13 unlucky years ago and turned the sport hard-right into the wall - will take a few minutes to read what follows.
They just might learn something.
I know. That thought alone might scare them off.
But, since we care, we'll try . . .
Supposedly, the IRL will re-energize itself (we're heard that before) in 2011 and 2012, with the 100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 and new car-engine rules. Assuming the League is still around by then, at least in its current form, this will be yet another opportunity to jump-start a series that has been in an uphill struggle since 1996.
However, besides selling Centennial Era-logo T-shirts, just what will those with a proven track record of failure do?
Their mission: To again capture the imagination of the American sporting public.
How?
Let's begin with what Indy 2003's respected and thoughtful winner, Gil de Ferran, suggests.
"To me, Indy Car has a strong brand. And that brand is the cars are insanely fast. Whatever the new Indy Cars become, in 2011 or 2012, they need to be insanely fast. That is my opinion.
"How they achieve that insanely fast, I don't know at this point. They need to be the fastest cars on the planet. They need to be recognized as the fastest cars on the planet. That's the end of that."
A stunning fact, lost to history, is de Ferran set a world record qualifying lap of 241.428 mph in 2001 at California Speedway.
"I had the good fortune of peddling a car that was over 1,000 horsepower," continued de Ferran, now again retired from driving but with hopes of fielding an IRL team. "I can tell you that is unbelievably challenging. Ultimately, that restricts you in terms of what tracks you can go to, and there is a lot of other restrictions because of safety.
"Nevertheless, I think that's a worthwhile pursuit -- insanely fast."
Then, there's the issue that turns U.S. fans of all stripes blue: Not one single American driver has won an IRL race since Ryan Hunter-Reay at Watkins Glen - in July of LAST YEAR.
Years ago, in this spec of cyberspace, I called for the League to require - by rule - opportunity for qualified Americans: At least one per two-car team and prize-money incentives. I challenge anyone to look at the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights driver roster and identify even one legitimate ticket-seller.
I asked de Ferran if, as an owner, his greater responsibility is to his team, or to the growth of the series. His answer reinforced the need for official IRL action.
"I think my greater responsibility is always to put the best available driver behind the wheel," said de Ferran. "As a team owner, I've always thought that way.
"I have to say, as a driver, and not American born, I actually benefitted from that attitude from several team owners and two American team owners. One was Jim Hall and the other was Roger Penske. My opinion is a simple one: I think there are some very good, very talented, American drivers. In fact, some very good ones currently racing in Indy Cars. The one who particularly comes to mind is Graham Rahal, who is extremely young, and extremely talented. He's already getting some great results.
"I think the reason you don't see more American drivers coming to prominence is a simple one. It has to do with the success of NASCAR, and the draw NASCAR has in the younger generation. From an early age, many of the drivers who would have the potential to be successful in Indy Car racing, takes to a different branch of the sport and grows toward finding a ride in NASCAR.
"Hopefully, if Indy Car regains its rightful place in the world of motorsports, that will change."
The two most important words there are "hopefully" and "if" and I wouldn't make any big bets on either turning into reality.
Since de Ferran is one of the smartest people I know, I hope Indy's "leaders" are smart enough to pay attention to what he says. He just pointed them in the right direction on two issues essential to the sport's survival.
[ Next column: November 16 ]
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(I.N. Sider is the pen name for an independent motorsports business-person who has a quarter-century of professional experience working in almost every major North American racing series. The writer is not an employee of Valvoline or Ashland Inc. The column is intended to inform, entertain, and stimulate thought on the contemporary motorsports scene. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Valvoline or Ashland Inc.)
BackAbout I.N. Sider
I.N. Sider is the pen name for an independent motorsports business-person who has a quarter-century of professional experience working in almost every major North American racing series. The writer is not an employee of Valvoline or Ashland Inc. The column is intended to inform, entertain, and stimulate thought on the contemporary motorsports scene. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Valvoline or Ashland Inc.