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Final news bits from IndyCar State of the Series Meeting

See our Home Page articles, but going through out notes we compiled some news bits from the 2-day meeting in Indianapolis:

  • 80 percent of suites sold out for Detroit race already
  • The China beer festival will be going on the same weekend as the IndyCar race in Qingdao, hence a large attendance is expected. Look for an announcement about the race in China (which has not happened yet in China) to be around the 2nd week in March where the circuit layout will finally be announced.
  • Randy Bernard tells us that the hoped for Las Vegas street race did not happen due to money, but he still hopes to bring that event to fruition in about two years. He thinks the event would draw 150,000 to 200,000 people for the weekend.
  • Even though it did not look like it, the attendance for last year's season finale on the Vegas oval was 24,800 and even though ticket holders from other races could have attended for free, only 7,800 took advantage of that offer.
  • Randy Bernard is still confident that the Ft. Lauderdale race will happen in 2013. They just need to find the correct race promoter.
  • Randy is looking at the possibility of holding the season ending awards banquet in Indianapolis this year, in conjunction with the IMIS show.
  • ESPN International will again take care of international TV distribution for all IndyCar races. This year a lot more countries are picking up IndyCar broadcasts
  • The series will use 38 inches of turbo boost for Speedways (HP around 550), 41 inches for short ovals and 46 inches for Road Courses (HP around 700)
  • Although previously advertised, the series will not use push to pass until maybe later in the year if the races become to processional.
  • All the cars get a new McLaren ECU, boost sensors and some cars (random) will also carry torque sensors so the series can gauge the power each manufacturer has and to also see if anyone figures out a way to circumvent the boost sensors thereby getting more HP. If detected the torque sensors will alert the ECU and engine power will be cut.
  • There will be no KERS – too expensive and it does not improve the show
  • There will be 1,850 miles between engine replacements. Five engine changes will be allowed per year. 6 or more and the driver will be given a grid penalty. Engines will be sealed and no tampering will be allowed.
  • So far the teams have put 13,500 testing miles collectively