The RACER Mailbag: Your IndyCar Questions Answered, March 12
Race fans eagerly anticipate answers to their burning motorsport questions in this week's mailbag. Here are the key insights from our experts:
Race fans watching from grandstands
IMSA Engines in IndyCar? IndyCar can't easily adopt IMSA's engine formula due to space constraints. IndyCar chassis are designed for compact, lightweight engines (Size Small), while IMSA engines are much larger (Size Large/XL). Using IMSA engines would require extensive redesign and add significant weight, compromising handling performance.
Indy 500 Entries Experts expect more than 33 entrants for the Indy 500, with additional entries likely coming from Honda, who currently has 12 full-time entries compared to Chevy's 15.
Texas Motor Speedway Update The Texas Motor Speedway appears to be permanently off the IndyCar calendar, with no immediate plans for replacement superspeedways beyond the Indianapolis 500.
Technical Insights
- Current IndyCar weight distribution: 43-44% front, 56-57% rear
- Energy Recovery System (ERS) added 0.5-1.0% weight to the rear
- Aeroscreen added approximately 50 pounds to the front
- Future weight savings possibilities include new tub design and lightweight gearbox considerations
Broadcast Operations FOX Sports has recruited numerous personnel from NBC for IndyCar coverage, with dozens of trackside staff required for race broadcasts. Exact numbers vary between road courses and ovals.
The collaboration between motorsport series remains challenging, particularly regarding potential IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheaders, though FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks could potentially facilitate such arrangements.