Delta Wing disappointed by IRL snub

DeltaWing Racing Cars, of Indianapolis, issued the following statement:

We wish to congratulate the ICONIC Committee and the IZOD IndyCar Series on their decision regarding the 2012 chassis strategy. However, we are extremely disappointed that they have decided to pursue a strategy that does not include the DeltaWing.

The DeltaWing concept was designed to provide a relevant solution to the environmental, economic and social realities that must be addressed by all premier status racing series. We proposed a revolutionary solution that met or exceeded all of the IndyCar Series criteria for the new car, resulting in a chassis with half the weight, half the drag, half the cost, half the horsepower and half the fuel consumption of the existing IndyCar. This was accomplished with a design that would provide more on-track excitement and performance on every circuit where the IZOD IndyCar Series competes and the potential for 235 mph or faster laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Our many partners and supporters have invested significant time, financial resources and effort into DeltaWing. We want to thank them for their commitment, courage and vision for the future. We have initiated the process of reviewing options for DeltaWing which we will present to our investors, industrial partners and governmental advisors. We will announce our plans for the DeltaWing in the near future.

A reader adds, Dear AR1.com, I read a lot of quotes by a bunch drivers and one small team owner about how great this announcement is and how it is wonderful that the Dallara chassis is being used. What I am wondering, is where are the quotes from Roger Penske, Chip Ganassi, Michael Andretti etc. Silence from these guys seems to say a lot about this decision. Bradford Dunlop, Toronto, Canada

Dear Bradford, Indeed it does. They were in favor of the Delta Wing car. Will they be miffed enough to go off and create CART-2? We doubt it. Mark C.