Firestone Indy Lights modify engine for 2009

Firestone Indy Lights engines will undergo a modification for 2009. The 90-degree crankshaft used in the engines since the series' inception in 2002 has been changed to a 180-degree crankshaft.

"We primarily made the change to make the car sound more like they have single-seater racing engines," said Roger Bailey, executive director of Firestone Indy Lights. "The change will help the car's performance as well. It doesn't really change the horsepower, but the drivers will see an improvement in the power-band in the mid-range. And that will help our cars get off the corner better."

"From the outward appearance, there won't be any changes to the motor," said Speedway Engine Development’s Jeff Gordon, Firestone Indy Lights program manager. "The noticeable difference is the sound the engine makes is more similar to the IndyCar Series engine.

"Our goal is to make the engines the same so they are not a factor in any way. Our goal is be reliable and consistent and make the teams forget about the engines."

So far the modified engine has been both reliable and consistent.

"It pulls more off the corners," said Richard Antinucci, the 2008 series runner-up who tested recently with the new spec engine. "And it's a lot quieter in the cockpit. I was pleasantly surprised by that."

Sam Schmidt Motorsports, which ran the crankshaft during test sessions throughout the 2008 season, and Panther Racing have taken delivery of the engines utilizing the new crankshaft. The remainder of Firestone Indy Lights teams will have access to them when the holiday testing break ends in January.