RACER Mailbag: Your Racing Questions Answered - December 25 Edition
All CART races in 1990-91 featured Al Unser Jr. using a cockpit vent connected to his racing suit for cooling. Today's IndyCar regulations are more restrictive, though the aeroscreen's top ducting serves a similar purpose. While custom modifications were unrestricted back then, current teams need approval for cooling system changes.
Race fans watching from grandstands
Regarding Aaron Telitz, while talented, he won the 2016 Pro Mazda championship but never directly competed against Herta or Kirkwood that season. In Indy Lights, Herta outperformed him as Rookie of the Year. At 33, with no open-wheel racing since 2019, other drivers currently have stronger cases for IndyCar opportunities.
Open racing helmet
Looking ahead to 2025, confirmed IndyCar rookies include:
- Louis Foster (RLL)
- Robert Schwartzman (PREMA)
- Potential additions from Dale Coyne Racing
On technical matters, IndyCar, Dallara, and the safety team thoroughly document crash data through Accident Data Recorders (ADRs), analyzing forces, speeds, and damage patterns to improve safety measures. While oval crashes present unique challenges, all major racing series maintain comprehensive crash databases.
Regarding car design, IndyCar should maintain its distinctive identity rather than mimicking other series' aesthetics. Additionally, reducing downforce isn't automatically beneficial - the key is finding the right balance that enables aggressive driving while maintaining safety and competition.
The Honda/Nissan merger's impact on IndyCar remains uncertain until the deal is finalized.
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