Thru Noggles Goggles .::. February 9th
Sporting and technical regulations that comprise the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook were distributed electronically to teams today by INDYCAR.
INDYCAR President of Competition and IZOD IndyCar Series Race Director Beaux Barfield said the goal was to re-format the 2012 rulebook for ease of use in conjunction with the debut of the Dallara DW12 chassis and participation by three engine manufacturers.
“A rulebook is written to protect the rights of its competitors and empower the officials,” said Barfield, who joined INDYCAR in January after several years as Race Director of the American Le Mans Series. “It’s that balance you’re trying to strike when you’re writing rules, and it’s very important in generating the product we long for on-track. I’m confident that we’ve created the proper balance with this rulebook moving forward this season.”
Highlights include:
• An instant messaging system during events between Race Control and officials, individual entrants or the entire field to communicate track conditions, warnings, penalties or other information. Team managers also will be able to directly contact Race Control. The system will complement radio communication.
• Standard INDYCAR tech bodywork parts must be able to fit a team’s car during technical inspection.
• A minimum of two Track Condition Radio steering wheel lights are standard. They will act in unison with dash lights and complement audio and trackside visual caution warning systems.
• Manufacturer points will be awarded on a race-by-race basis and added throughout the season to crown a Manufacturer Champion between Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus. The highest-finishing engine manufacturer earns 9 points; the second highest-placing manufacturer earns 6 points and the third-highest manufacturer receives 4 points.
• An oval Open Test has been added March 13 at Texas Motor Speedway to complement the private test Feb. 19-21 at the 1.5-mile oval and supplement the March 5-6 and March 8-9 Open Test at Sebring International Raceway.
Barfield said his intent was to review instead of rewrite. He will take notes throughout the season for points of discussion relating to the 2013 rulebook.
“For me, it’s important that certain rules make sense for my style, but be careful to not cut out too many elements that have value,” Barfield said. “There’s a lot of heritage to these rules that you want to preserve and make sure you don’t create any pitfalls by getting rid of items. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, this rulebook will be the base and we’ll start immediately on 2013.”
INDYCAR Vice President of Technology Will Phillips and the technical officiating group have been reviewing regulations since autumn with 2012 and beyond in mind as multiple aerodynamic bodywork kits will be introduced for 2013. INDYCAR also has added engine support engineers to aid Director of Engine Development Trevor Knowles and police the Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus programs.
The comprehensive technical inspection process, which measures, weighs and checks more than 100 items of the car, now will include matching INDYCAR standard car parts to an entrant’s car.
“Our goal is to ensure as quickly as possible that everybody is following the letter of the law and the intention,” Phillips said. “INDYCAR officials started with a clean sheet when developing the 2012 technical regulations, and through the diligent enforcement of the rules we can help maintain an environment of safety and fair competition that benefits the participants and fans.”
I was extremely proud to hear about the Hoosier Hospitality told by all in attendance and how well Indianapolis responded to the Super Bowl. Now the secret is out about Hoosiers. They should return for the 500 to experience more of it.
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You’re invited to the 2012 State of INDYCAR at the Hilbert Circle Theater in downtown Indy, and Champion members will receive PRIORITY SEATING for the event!
RSVP and join us for the annual season preview meeting that will discuss momentum and intiatives, and include drivers, team representatives and INDYCAR partners. You won’t want to miss this special presentation and the chance to be a part of the season kick-off.
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 13
WHERE: Hilbert Circle Theater
TIME: 5:30pm ET (arrive 5:00pm)
BRING: Champion member card and printout of RSVP email
GUESTS: Each member is allowed to bring one guest
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“They say records are set to be broken, but one that seems safe was set by race car driver, Ralph DePalma. He compiled a lifetime victory record of 2,757 wins in 2,886 starts. That’s an average of .955 !” …from the book, Strange but True Auto Racing Stories by Al Powell, p 104.
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TNG was sorry to learn that the 90-year-old mother of two-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bruce Walkup (29th/1970) fell and broke her hip earlier this week. Walkup left Indiana for Houston, Texas to be with her, thus missing his time slot on the AutoSport Radio Show Tuesday night with host Don Kay.
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Last minute reminder: We still have a few spots left at our February 18th Race Chaser luncheon with Jeff O’Connor, son of the legendary AAA/USAC sprint car ace and 5-time Indy starter, Pat O’Connor. Location is the Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria at 1pm. Those who’ve RSVP’d will be asked for $5 to cover expenses while “walkups” will be $10. Bring a guest if you wish but just let me know a name.
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Memorable Quote: “You know what? If I wanted to do it, I bet I could still do it.” Mario Andretti just before being assigned to Tony Kanaan’s car in 2003 to shake it down at Indy and then getting airborn.
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Where Are They Now?
Bob Ward was born on September 9, 1947 in Santa Ana, CA. He raced CRA sprint cars in California and then in 1980, competed in the USAC/SCCA Super Vee division, racing to an 18th place finish at Ontario, CA. In August of 1983, Ward competed in one CART event, the Riverside, CA race. Starting 23rd in a field of 27 cars and driving the #47 Arizona International Travel car, Bob dropped out after 7 laps due to a faulty transmission, finishing 26th. On October 8th, 1983, he also qualified for the CART street race at Las Vegas but did not start because of being too slow. Later that same month, Ward attempted to make the race at Phoenix but again did not start due to wrecking in practice.
Twenty years later, Bob Ward re-appeared on the racing scene, this time in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series where he participated in 3 of 12 races. Then, in 2004, Bob raced in all 12 events, finishing 7th in the standings. And the next year, at age 58, Ward raced in 6 of the 15 events.
There is no record of him after that so it is assumed that he has retired from active competition.
sources:
* website: “OldRacingCars.com” maintained by Richard Jenkins
* website: “www.RacingReference.com”
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