IndyCar aero kits delayed

Next year all the new IndyCars will look identical to this

The 2012 IZOD INDYCAR season will feature new, turbocharged engines but every team will be in the same new Dallara because the optional aero kit packaged has been put on hold for a year.

Originally, the ICONIC committee had ruled that any chassis or engine manufacturer could built its own bodywork kit to accompany the Dallara safety cell.

But, faced with purchasing all new equipment for 2012, the car owners voted unanimously to have just one set of bodywork for the new Dallara IR12 chassis–the one that comes with the car.

And INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard listened to his paddock.

"I don't want to see us go from 26 to 16 cars because of the added expense of an aero kit so we'll just concentrate on our new engines and having a new car," said Bernard on Saturday from New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

"The owners were all concerned about this so we want to do what is best for them.''

Bernard met with the owners Saturday afternoon to let them officially know what many people kind of expected.

"I've been pushing for that and I'm glad to hear it," said Michael Andretti, who operates the only 4-car team in the series. "My point is why right now? What's the point? We've got new engines and a new car next year so we can have another new story for 2013.''

A.J. Foyt, whose single-car operation has a solid sponsor in ABC Supply, said that the expense of racing today is pretty daunting — even with a good sponsor.

"It costs so much to go racing anymore, I don't know how people afford it and next year is going to be very expensive," said Indy's first four-time winner. "It's going to cost $3 million out of pocket just for a one-car team like ours.''

Even though the 2012 chassis and engine lease prices have been reduced by 40 percent from today's market, it's still a large investment.

"The only thing we won't throw away are the wheels and shocks,'' said longtime owner Dale Coyne. "We're going to have to spend a lot more money than people think and it's another expense we don't need or can't afford.'' Speedtv.com