Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The IndyCar Aerokit Debate (In Summation)

The owners do not want differing aero kits in 2012.

Most fans, it seems, do.





  1. As a loyal fan I have been patient, so patient. Since 96 attending 2-3 races a year, Watching or recording every race on Television, Buying Izod clothing, Firestone tires, shopping at Miejers and Target, Verizon phones supporting all the sponsors, defending the sport on twitter and the forums. At what point does that patience be rewarded? It appeared to be 2012, it appeared to have turned the corner from the disasters of 1979 and 1995. Finally we would have diversity return to the sport. Now again the Owners vote to torpedo the sport. The best thing for the League would be to voice my displeasure, to the series, to the sponsors, to the team owners, shouting my displeasure from the social networks roof tops. Why is this the best option? Because the other option is one millions of fans have already chosen, simply and quietly stop following the sport. Make no mistake the owners vote was a vote for giant step backward and for a spec series going forward beyond 2012. 2013 is just another stall and delay tactic. And I am not sure it worth my trouble and disappointment anymore I can find something else to do on Sundays and other places to spend my money!!!

  2. Zachary HoughtonMay 4, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    I honestly think the will of the fans will prevail in this matter. They can't afford for it not to.

  3. Zac, as usual a great post....

    I have been thinking about the announcement of the owner's vote on the aero kits since last night. I think there is a lot more to this than meets the eye. The owners probably understand the financial situation of the all the teams better than anyone, could this be their attempt to let the league know the car count for next year may be significantly smaller due to the new upfront costs of new engines, new cars, aero kits and more expensive tires?? I don't know much about all the teams but a couple of the smaller ones have to be worried about all the new costs (it's not like they can get any money for old cars, there is no one to sell them to). I would even wonder if a big team like Andretti Auto sport can afford all the new stuff, especially if they lose their biggest sponsor ( if Danica moves fulltime to NASCAR.

    As a fan I would love to see different looking cars on the grid, but I want to see a healthy league more than anything. Full grids of sponsored cars with the best drivers available is more important to me.

    I don't understand the owners in one respect though, they finally have someone in Mr. Bernard who is working hard to make it better for everyone and I feel like they have put him in a no win position with this "vote". As smart a businessman as Mr. Penske is, you would think that he would understand the position they have put him in. Or maybe that is what they want, they don't want a strong leader, they want someone they can manipulate and maybe this is their first attempt to see what they can get away with or force him into.

    It will be interesting to watch to see how this plays out.

  4. I very much agree with your viewpoint, Zach. Drivers should be allowed as much customization options as possible. That's what makes racing fun, in my opinion.

    car loan information

  5. I'm not an owner but I don't want different aero kits either. The playing field has to be even for everyone. Racing is about competition between the racers, not the manufacturers.

    instant car loan approval

  6. This debate seems pointless, because at the end of the day, it's the men in suits who will decide the rules. I just hope they don't compromise fan satisfaction with their decision.

    auto loans