IRL to add passing system to IndyCars

A power enhancer similar to the push-to-pass device used on the turbocharged engines in the Champ Car World Series has been offered to the Indy Racing League by Honda. The system has been tested at several tracks, most recently last week by Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan at Chicagoland Speedway. Dixon said it added 5 horsepower and 200 rpms at Chicagoland, laughable compared to Champ Cars 50 HP boost.

"It works," said Dixon, the reigning series champion, Saturday at Iowa Speedway, site of today's Iowa Corn Indy 250. "It makes a half mile per hour per lap at Chicagoland." Yes, but 5 HP will not be enough to make the pass so they are wasting their time.

"It's not a game changer, but it would be a help, no question about it," he said. "I don't know how you put a value on it, but entertainment is a big part of what we do, and that's what we're lacking at the moment. The people in the grandstand need to feel they've gotten their value back."

A Honda official said this device added a 5-mph burst during a test at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway, site of next week's race. Champ Cars 50 HP increase on ovals led to some additional passing, but not that much more. 5 HP? Don't hold your breath as the driver being passed will just push his button too.