IndyCar news tidbits
Power takes a 12-point lead over Franchitti into Saturday night's Cafes do Brasil Indy 300. This marks the fifth consecutive year IndyCar has seen its points race go to the final weekend, hence Bernard's desire to celebrate that.
The champion officially will be crowned Sunday night at the W Hotel in South Beach. In advance of today's practice and qualifying, Bernard addressed several issues: The season-ending race for 2011. Bernard said he remains optimistic a deal will be struck with the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority to hold the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., is the other option.
"I have a great relationship with the people there," he said of his years growing professional bull riding in Las Vegas. "I'm confident I have a great business plan to do the same thing here. I know the power of Vegas."
Engine and aerodynamic specifications for 2012.
The goal was to have the engine specs by today. Some details remain unresolved, but Bernard said project manager Tony Cotman is close to giving potential manufacturers everything they need to make a decision by the mid-November deadline to commit.
"Will we get more (than Honda)? That's a good question," he said. "The proof will be in the pudding. I doubt anybody plays their cards until we write the rules."
Criticism of the artistic look of the series' new champion's trophy, designed to give series sponsor Izod a unique look.
The vertical design from sculptor Ted Gall features a stainless steel man with outstretched arms balanced on a wheel. That piece is mounted on a wooden base. The previous trophy was deemed outdated because it had "Indy Racing League" on it, a name that is being phased out.
"With what Izod is doing for the series, I can live with anything," Bernard said. "But I understand why traditionalists might not like it. It's different, that's for sure." The Indianapolis Star