IndyCar

2012 Indianapolis 500

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 50 total)
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  • #131351

    It’s the month of May so it’s time to start getting exciting about the biggest IndyCar race of the year – and always one of my favourite race weekends – the Indianapolis 500.

    Of course this year’s event will be tinged with sadness as Dan Wheldon, who won the centenary race last year in such thrilling fashion, is no longer with us. The race organisers will no doubt make an effort to commemorate him – the tickets for this year’s race bear his image.

    The changes in IndyCar this year mean we are likely to see a smaller entry than usual, though probably enough to reach the usual 33 starters. It’s going to be tough for the teams with the underpowered Lotus engines, though.

    Sam Schmidt Motorsport have just annoucned Townsend Bell will be driving for them:

    http://www.samschmidtmotorsports.com/townsend-bell-to-drive-no-99-braunabilityssm-car-in-indy-500/

    Unfortunately it looks like Jean Alesi’s deal to drive a Lotus-powered car entered by Newman-Haas has fallen through.

    #200670
    Don
    Participant
    #200671
    Slr
    Participant

    I do hope Alesi can quickly get back into the race, it would be great to see how he could go.

    I’ve missed the last few Indy 500s. I will definitely try to watch it this year however.

    #200672

    @don123 Would be great to see Newman/Haas make a return next year.

    #200673
    S.J.M
    Participant

    Always worth a watch, and falling in with the Monaco GP means we get a double header of motor sport with 2 of the most famous races.

    Is Sky broadcasting it? I certainly hope so!!

    #200674
    Don
    Participant

    The 2011 finish, Wheldon wins, Hildebrand crashes out on the last corner of the last lap

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZc_u2lfOeo

    The 2010 finish, Mike Conway huge airborne crash

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZy-tPkZ3W4

    Great stuff! RIP Dan.

    #200675
    Mikemat5150
    Participant

    Latest reports I’ve heard are that Lotus was offering $500,000 to $750,000 to run Alesi and HVM didn’t take the offer. It’s looking very doubtful that he’s going to be entered.

    http://blogs.indystar.com/racingexpert/2012/05/03/may-4-a-new-indycar-pairing/

    Also, DRR and Panther will have a technical alliance for the 500 as DRR is rumored to be switching to Chevy power. BHA is rumored to be going to Honda after both dumped Lotus.

    Should be a great race this year with he new chassis and an aero package that no one has much experience with.

    #200676
    Mikemat5150
    Participant

    Well, looks like nobody saw this coming. Alesi is driving for Fan Force United. Haven’t heard of em? Neither have I….

    http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-alesi-unites-with-fan-force-united-for-indy/

    #200677
    Joel Holland
    Participant

    Alesi is going to be scrapping with Katherine Legge for 32nd on the grid then. Can’t see him having more than Bourdais and Simona in the other B class cars.

    Or, if Jay Howard gets a deal in a Honda/Chevy powered car, Jean will just be hoping to qualify. With a career like his it seems a bit of a waste of time, as much as I’m looking forward to seeing him compete at the Speedway.

    #200678
    Joey-Poey
    Participant

    Alesi is going to be scrapping with Katherine Legge for 32nd on the grid

    I have to admit I lol’d at that.

    #200679
    Don
    Participant

    I can’t understand why he’d do this with a tiny team with no IndyCar experience, only Indy Lights?

    Never having run on an oval, he may have to change his shorts after qualifying. Entering corners at over 220 mph and trimmed out with as little down force as he can dare run will be a frightening experience for him.

    This has epic fail written all over it. I hope he’s still in one piece when it’s over.

    #200680

    Alesi’s deal with Fan Force United has been confirmed:

    http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/05-May/5-8-Lotus-confirm-Alesi-for-Indy

    It’s hard to imagine him being any kind of force (no pun intended) but still great to see him entering. He should be driving the car tomorrow. Presumably Lotus have quite a few spare engines now so at least there’s that…

    #200681
    Joel Holland
    Participant

    I’m a little worried about it. 47, not driven a single-seater in a decade, down-on-power Lotus engine, first time at Indy… frankly I think it’s a stupid idea from all sides. I’d be very happy to be proven wrong, but Lotus are incredibly good at PR own goals. Alesi being considered unsafe to race or leaving the circuit in an ambulance would follow that theme.

    Not that I think Alesi is rubbish. It’s the combination of factors that makes me think he’ll have a tough time.

    #200682
    Don
    Participant

    It will be very interesting to see how things go for him. Good luck.

    Rookie Orientation takes place May 10th. Included are; “Jean Alesi, Rubens Barrichello, Bryan Clauson, Wade Cunningham, Katherine Legge, James Jakes, Michel Jourdain Jr., Josef Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud. Sebastien Bourdais will participate in an Indianapolis 500 refresher program on May 10”.
    http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/05-May/5-9-ROP-is-quality-over-quantity

    Lets get it on!

    #200683
    BasCB
    Participant

    Well, Good Luck Jean, I would say. Not that I expect anything spectacular from him (at least not in driving fast), but its still nice to see him giving it a go. Indy is just really special

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