Conference oass::racers

    Dick Simon is the only one who's planning to do so.  AJ's going IRL,
    and Indy-only teams like Menard are planning IRL programs.  But of the
    CART franchise holders, only Dick is comitted to IRL (albeit with one
    car for now).
    
    George

    Autoweek said that NHIS is going IRL, after much thought.  It was
    originally hoped that there would be no conflicting dates so teams
    could run both series.  However, it looks as if that has evaporated
    with both scheduling for sometime in August.  
    
    And the specs aren't even decided yet... (sigh)
    
    Jeff

    Its been reported that Tony George has guaranteed 25 spots to the top
    IRL drivers for next years Indy 500. The remaining 8 spots would be
    "open" for other drivers to qualify for. There would still be the pole
    qualifications, and bumping, but it sounds like changes are coming.
    
    Needless to say the IndyCar teams are not happy.
    
    
    Mark

Does this mean the USAC champion will have to win more than the Indy 500 next
year?

Dave

    Dave,
    
    Besides the 4 other races that the IRL announced, I had heard that
    points from the Silver Crown series could also be included. However,
    I have not read anything to that effect recently.
    
    I also read in the NSSN that the IRL prize money will be higher than
    the current IndyCar purses and that there will be more $$$ for other
    monies awarded to the IRL teams.
    
    I just wonder how the sponsors will react to this. I just can't fathom
    that they would be pleased that their sponsorship does not include the
    biggest auto race in the world...
    
    
    Mark

    I hope the two sides can iron things out...I can't imagine that two
    series could survive without damaging both. From what I understand they
    were very close to reaching an agreement. However, CART came back and
    said they could not include the 4 races into their schedule, and they
    wanted complete control over the 500 (Indy). 
    
    Dave Despain (sp?) on ESPN made the comment during the Silver Crown 
    Cars "Can you imagine 33 of these cars at the 500!" It may happen
    yet...
    
    Mark

    It's being rumored this week, that IndyCar teams may boycott the Indy
    500 next year, and schedule the Michigan 500 the same weekend.
    
    Supposedly, Roger Penske (owner of MIS) said he would honor anyone
    with a ticket to the Indy 500.
    
    
    Mark
    

    Or how bout brang 'um dawn hyere ta Tallerdeyger

    There are 30 entries listed as received for the Disney World race in
    January. Supposedly, there are several CART teams going. Valvoline is
    one of the series sponsors, so it looks as if Derrick Walker's team
    will be there. Also, AJ Foyt, Dick Simon, Rick Galles, Payton/Coyne,
    among others.
    
    Also, CART has said that anyone racing ain an IRL event will be
    stripped of there Board privelages. They can stil attend the meetings
    but they do not get to vote.
    
    Johnny Rutherford has also signed on with the IRL as there Pace Car
    driver, and consultant for racing.
    
    CART (Championship Auto Racin Teams, Inc) have still been talking about
    the alternative 500 in May, but no details have been released as yet.

    Re: last
    
    Walker and Galles have said they will take their chances and run Indy
    only.  Aside from Foyt and Scandia-Simon, no other IndyCar franchise
    teams have announced plans to run Disney (or Phoenix, for that
    matter).
    
    George

    Heard a blurb on the tube this weekend abotu the car configuration for
    the IRL.  Raceday stated they will be using 4.0 litre non turbocharged
    engines.  These engines will be bought by the teams as opposed to
    leasing them (CART rules).
    
    Paul
    

    Yeah, I heard about that as well.  I am a bit surprized that they will
    still require methanol fuel.  I thought they would make the break with
    the new engine formula.  They expect the engine to turn 650-700 hp
    versus the 800 hp or so for the turbo.  That should account for a
    reduction of about 6 mph at Indy.  
    
    BTW, the engines are to be 4 valves/cyl, V-8, DOHC.  The idea is to
    make this "stock block" for the next decade.  Let's see who has engines
    that fit that....  Ford, Olds, Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, Ferrari,
    Porche, BMW, and Mercedes.  Any others of note?
    
    Jeff

Add Audi and Chevrolet to that list.

Dave

    Also Jaguar.  
    
    Re: last, which production Chevy V-8 is DOHC?  The LT5 doesn't count,
    as it's out of production.
    
    Teams may encounter problems using these production derived engines as
    stressed members in a monocoque.  We may see new chassis designs to
    accomodate these engines, with rear engine carriers and a subframe.
    Also, I think it is unrealistic to expect that the manufacturers will be
    using "production-based" engines.  The Olds Motorsport Aurora is
    effectively a different engine, with only bore centers in common with
    the off-the-shelf Aurora V-8.  In effect, they will be pure racing
    engines.
    
    I think they are staying with methanol becuase of its proven safety
    advantages vs. gasoline.  While I have my differences with the Speedway
    brain trust, they have long memories, and the 1964 Eddie Sachs-Dave
    McDonald accident still evokes terribel memories at Indy.
    
    George

 >Also Jaguar.  
  
I sort of figured Ford covered Jaguar - or did they sell Jag off?
  
>    Re: last, which production Chevy V-8 is DOHC?  The LT5 doesn't count,
>    as it's out of production.

Oh, didn't know that.  I figured there was some Corvette engine that would
qualify.

Dave

    Story in the paper today states that CART has voted on and announced a
    race at the Michigan 500 track to take place on the May long
    weekend........The same day as the IRL Indy 500!
    
    Who will get the television coverage?  Who will go to which event? 
    What will CART name this new race?  Is this the end of the most
    prestigious race in the world? Which way will the sponsership go? 
    Where will the Menard team compete?
    
    
    I'm so confused!!!!!!
    
    Paul   

    re .16
    
    The name of the race is the US 500
    
    If you have access to a www search engine then have it search for 
    PPG. I'm sure you'll locate the PPG IndyCar Home Page. It will 
    answer all your questions. Sorry, but I don't remember the URL 
    address.
    
    							-mike-

    Re: the race, ther is NO coverage currently locked in.  Apparently CBS
    was pressured by NASCAR -- if you cover the US 500, bye bye Daytona.
    No other network is interested.  If they don't get this solved soo,
    this could completely come apart.
    
    Re: Jaguar, supposedly for the new XJ whatever sportscar, they are
    developing their own 4.0 liter V-8 (that is, it's not part of the Ford
    modular family).
    
    George

Article: 4446
Newsgroups: rec.autos.sport.info
Subject: INDYCAR/IRL: IRL press release 95-11-19
 
For Immediate Release
 
IMS, IRL STATEMENT REGARDING CART EVENT ON MAY 26, 1996
 
The following response is issued for general use and should be attributed
to Tony George, President, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  It is intended as
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's and Indy Racing League's only statement on
this situation until after the holidays.
 
"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League (IRL) are aware
of the announcement Monday, Dec. 18, 1995, in Chicago by Championship Auto
Racing Teams.
 
"In response, we can only say we are disappointed by the action because of
its negative impact on automobile racing in North America.  CART's action
could diminish the opportunities for some drivers and teams to compete in
the greatest motorsports event in the world, the Indianapolis 500.
 
"However, it does not change or influence any of the plans for the 1996
Indianapolis 500 or the launching of the Indy Racing League, the series of
oval track races which is designed to provide growth and long-term stability
for the sport.  If anything, CART's action underscores the need for our new
league.  The 80th Indianapolis 500, open to all competitors who choose to
run for racing's richest prize, will be run May 26, 1996.
 
"CART owners and competitors are not locked out of either the Indianapolis
500 or the Indy Racing League.  All have been invited to participate.  Our
intent was that the IRL could coexist with CART's current series of races --
which has never included the USAC-sanctioned Indianapolis 500.  Whether by
its own rules changes or scheduling conflicts, CART has created an unhealthy
all-or-nothing choice for the racing community.
 
"The IRL was created for inclusion not exclusion -- and certainly not to be
in direct conflict with or to replace any series already in existence.
Toward that end, invitations to the 1996 Indianapolis 500 remain open to
those caught in the web of Monday's announcement."
 
....IMS95-04...
 

So what's the general thoughts of noters on this ?  I personally am with
the IndyCar (CART) crowd and will watch the US 500 in preference to the
Indy500.  Do others feel this way ?   I'm wondering if Tony George has
bitten off a bit more than he could chew - or, at the end of the day,
is the Indy 500 so sacred that he'll win any battle with it ??

martin
PS I would of course tape the Indy500 to watch another day ;-)

Can someone post (or compile) a list of teams on 'each side'?  Also, how does
USAC fit into the IRL vs CART thing?

Dave

re .20:

I certainly will NOT watch the US 500 (or whatever). I've been an INDY 500 
fan since I was a kid listening to the race on the radio. IMHO, CART is 
looking rather childish in all this. 

Alan

    I have been an Indy fan since.....well......since I can remember being
    able to change the channel on the television!
    I really cannot see why this dispute is happening.  Tony was a bit of a
    clod for laying down the goofy rule about the CART teams fighting for 9
    of the 35 spots.  This always has been and should remain open to
    the 35 FASTEST drivers with a viable car, regardless of what series
    they normally race in. An example is Davey Hamilton.  Where's he
    from...Sprint cars I believe.
    
    BUT..........
    
    CART is acting like a spoiled child who wasn't invited to a party! 
    "Well if I can't bring ALL my friends, then I'll have my own party!"
    This is not good for the image of the sport.
    
    I think the IRL is a good idea, running only ovals, but I don't see why
    the two leagues cannot co-exist, running half the season on the road
    courses and such under CART santioning, then run All the oval races
    under USAC sanctioning.  At the end of the season you have three
    championships.  An IRL champ, a CART champ, and an overall Indycar
    champion.  These may very well end up being the same driver for all
    three, but if the last season is any indication, I don't think it would
    be.  This is the same thing they do with Boxing(WBC, and IBF).
    
    That's just my opinion, which is what you asked for!
    
    Paul 
    

Davey Hamilton is a SuperModified driver primarily but has branched out to 
midgets, sprints & Indy cars.

    I don't know what to watch, yet.  I side with CART generally on this
    dispute, but I have been a long Indy follower.  This all seems rather
    silly.  I wish the IRL would have kept Indy open to the 33 fastest
    qualifiers.
    
    Jeff

    If you were at the IndyCar race in New Hampshire and listened to the
    people in the stands, followed the IndyCar newsgroups on the Internet,
    and knew a little bit about the politics/money of Tony George - you
    would most likely feel that the IRL is a joke...
    
    My friends in SCCA (PRO Atlantic) tell me that NHIS is now wishing they
    never signed on to run the IRL race. They are getting such a bad
    response. 
    
    IndyCar never had the same fan attraction as NASCAR has at NHIS...but
    still, the reaction of fans to the IRL race in NH has been VERY neg.
    
    The last few years have been the best years ever for IndyCar racing
    attendance. The cost compared to F1 is reasonable (still high...but 
    nothing like F1) Both NASCAR and IndyCar have been doing really well.
    NASCAR REALLY REALLY well.. So Tony George feels that since he has his
    own MAJOR race...then he can create his own league, with his own rules.
    Well guess what, 90% of IndyCar said fine create your own league but we
    aren't building special cars just for your league...and we're not buying
    into the limited number of slots available for non IRL cars in the
    Indy 500. I totally agree.
    
    This is all about Tony George's ego, money, and the fact that he own's
    the biggest race in the world..
    
    								-mike-    

    re .25
    
    But Jeff, if IRL left Indy open to the fastest 33 qualifers then many 
    of the IRL teams wouldn't have made it... 
    
    IRL is like going to a baseball game during the strike..and watching
    mostly farm league players. Don't get me wrong, there have more then a
    few very good drivers signed up to run in the IRL. But many of the
    drivers are inexperienced or past their prime.
    
    Wonder if AJ is thinking about a come back....with the IRL 8-)
    
    								-mike-

    Re: .26
    
    >My friends in SCCA (PRO Atlantic) tell me that NHIS is now wishing
    they never signed on to run the IRL race. They are getting such a bad
    response.
    
    Andrew Craig, at the race this year, made a really obvious public
    effort to assure the Bahres that there were no hard feelings and that
    NHIS would be welcomed back to the IndyCar series whenever the wished.
    Of course, he then went and scheduled Road America on the same weekend
    as the NHIS IRL race, but at least the thought was there. :-)
    
    George

    I prefer oval racing.
    I don't like street courses.
    I'm "siding" with the IRL, but will miss several of the CART drivers.
    I don't like the Speedway's qualifying rules.
    I'm tired of CART's bashing of the IRL.
    I'm going to the Disney World race, the 500, maybe Nazareth and NHIS.
    I want the two sides to come together so that we get more IndyCar
    racing, more cars, more drivers and better "shows".
    
    
    Mark
    

    AMEN!
    
    P

    Heard on Raceday yesterday that the Fox network will be televising the
    US 500.  Anyone hear anymore about this??
    
    Pablo

    ESPN, per ESPN.  Pre-announced yesterday, formal announcement on
    Thursday.
    
    http://www.indycar.com/ppg/PPGCupNews.html
    
    George

    I heard that on ESPN today (12:00 noon) that they would cover the
    US500. ABC which owns ESPN will broadcast the Indy 500 at the same
    time.
    
    Big question - Where will Paul Page go? Indy or Michigan?
    
    Mark

    The report on Raceday on Sunday was that the US500 was set back to
    2:00 PM by CART, so that "true fans" of the sport will have an
    opportunity to see both races.
    
    Pablo
    

    Any news of the qualifying for this race?  How are they scheduling
    that, given it is a Saturday race?
    
    Jeff

Starting Order
91 Buddy Lazier      95 R/F/F Hemelgarn Racing           20.011 19.847 181.388
 4 Richie Hearn      95 R/F/G Della Penna Motorsports    20.062 19.900 180.905
21 Roberto Guerrero  94 R/F/G Pagan Racing               20.516 20.210 178.130
35 Arie Luyendyk     95 R/F/G Byrd/Leberle-Treadway      20.810 20.305 177.296
41 Scott Sharp       95 L/F/G AJ Foyt Enterprises        20.524 20.430 176.211
12 Buzz Calkins      95 R/F/F Bradley Motorsports        20.751 20.517 175.464
14 Davey Hamilton    95 L/F/G AJ Foyt Enterprises        21.072 20.537 175.293
20 Tony Stewart      95 L/M/G Team Menard Inc.           20.891 20.624 174.554
 3 Eddie Cheever     95 L/M/G Team Menard Inc.           20.703 20.812 173.888
17 Stan Wattles      94 L/F/F Leigh Miller Racing        21.118 20.752 173.477
 9 Stephan Gregoire  95 R/F/F Hemelgarn Racing           20.994 20.780 173.244
 2 Scott Brayton     95 L/M/G Team Menard Inc.           20.863 20.787 173.185
90 Lyn St. James     94 L/F/G Scandia/Simon Racing       21.186 21.039 171.111
11 Mike Groff        95 L/F/G AJ Foyt Enterprises        21.209 21.095 170.657
54 Robbie Buhl       94 R/F/F Beck Motorsports/Zunne Gp. 21.535 21.107 170.560
33 Michele Alboreto  95 L/F/G Scandia/Simon Racing       21.360 21.121 170.446
75 Johnny O'Connell  95 R/F/F Cunningham Motorsports     21.695 21.462 167.738
18 John Paul, Jr.    93 L/M/G PDM/Automatic Sprinkler    22.466        160.242
16 Johnny Parsons    93 L/M/F Blueprint Racing           23.832 23.451 153.512
25 David Kudrave     92 L/B/G Tempero/Giuffre Racing     25.325 24.598 146.353

Legend: YR=Year, C=Chassis, E=Engine, T=Tire
Chassis: R=Reynard, L=Lola
Engine: B=Buick, F=Ford Cosworth, M=Menard
Tires: F=Firestone G=Goodyear




Copyright � 1996 IRL 

    Any news from the race (Phoenix??) grid for Sunday??
    
    Pablo
    

    I didn't watch the whole thing, but did catch bits and pieces of the
    NHIS IRL "Season Opener".  I almost went, but last minute plans changed
    that...as it did for most everyone else who were supposed to attend.
    
    I watch and was amazed at the amount of open seats (he says
    remembering the capacity crowd for the Winston Cup event.)  I didn't
    hear the ABC commentators mention anything about attendance, so my
    information came from this morning's Worcester Telegram - 24,000
    people.  That is some season opening crowd ;^(
    
    

Yes - terrible attendance.  Not too surprised.  They had a hard time
filling the open seats (Main grandstand and one of the smaller ones)
for the real IndyCars.  And the ticket prices were the same.

Meanwhile, at Road America there was a crowd of 85,000. If you didn't
catch it yesterday, look out for the re-runs this week on ESPN - very
eventful race!!

    But we were able to move to a different seat yesterday if we wanted to.
    Traffic was non-existant. We got there at 8AM and drive into the main
    parking lot. We also could have done that at 11:30 as well...
    
    5 minutes of rain caused a 50 minute delay to get things dried off. Did
    the stewards resind the red flag? Some cars definitely had some work
    done to them during the delay, like new sticker tires...
    
    jim
    

The stewards did allow the cars to be worked on during the red flag 
period.  Pagan Racing replaced a broken brake rotor on Roberto 
Guerrero's car, for example.

The IRL race was a magnificent boon for race fans with infield 
passes.  At the CART events in the past, the teams were always 
heavily involved with schmoozing with people brought in by the 
sponsors.  As a paying race fan, you kind of felt that you were 
barging in on someone's private party.  There were no paddock area 
hospitality tents for the IRL event, it was a lot less crowded, and 
since the team principles weren't busy schmoozing, they had plenty of 
time to talk to the fans.  It was great.

--PSW