NASCAR Cup Series

IndyCar close to chassis decision

Published Jun. 30, 2010 11:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard set a deadline of Wednesday for an announcement on the league's new chassis package.

The only announcement was of a future announcement.

Not ready to unveil the next generation of chassis just yet, IndyCar pushed back its original unveiling deadline and will make a formal presentation on July 14 in Indianapolis.

So, officially, nothing has been decided.

Unofficially, though, the choice appears to have been made, even if the final vote hasn't been taken.

``We could make it (the announcement) right now, I'm pretty sure, but I want to hold off so there aren't any rumors out there,'' Bernard said. ``I want to wait a week or so before we make a final decision.''

The seven-person ICONIC committee charged with researching and recommending the new chassis for 2012 held one of its biggest decision-making meetings on Tuesday and could hold its final vote as early as next week.

The decision could drastically alter the future of open-wheel racing in the U.S.

Delta Wing, Swift, Lola, BAT and Dallara have submitted proposals for the next generation of chassis. Dallara, the series' current manufacturer, and Lola are believed to be front-runners because of their experience in producing cars for multiple series.

Both manufacturers have put together packages with a more traditional look. Other designs would provide a bit of a different look for fans.

BAT Engineering's proposal is sort of a combination between an IndyCar and a sports car, with rounded lines and wavy wings.

Delta Wing's design looks a bit like one of those rocket cars that set land speed records in Utah's salt flats, with a thin nose, tail fin and no wings.

Swift Engineering has a design that's Batmobile-esque, with ``mushroom busting'' technology that clears out dirty air and allows cars to run closer together.

It may not be just one design that gets chosen. There's a chance IndyCar could open the series up to multiple chassis, just as it did by announcing on June 2 that its engine strategy would allow for multiple manufacturers and configurations starting in 2012.

The goal is to create more excitement in the series and cut costs for the teams, which would certainly be accomplished by allowing, say, Swift's Batmobile to run alongside the futuristic Delta Wing every week.

``I think if I said that (impact of the changes) right now, I'd be giving way too much away,'' Bernard said. ``I think we're listening to the fans, the team owners and our goal is to re-ignite IndyCar and that's what we kept driving home, is if it's in the best interest in the sport.''

Bernard's focus since moving over from a successful run as executive of the Professional Bull Riders in February has been to rekindle interest in IndyCar.

He's made dramatic changes in a short period, adding oval and street/road course championships to the season and creating competition for the future engine package.

The chassis package could be the biggest one yet, which is why Bernard and the ICONIC committee have taken their time before making a decision. And, to make sure the announcement gets an added pop, IndyCar scheduled the introductory news conference for the day after baseball's All-Star Game, traditionally one of the slowest sports days of the year.

``The bottom line is what the fans want,'' he said. ``Are we going to have a stronger product? Yes, I do. Do I think we're going to have more fan appeal? Yes, I do and that's what I have to strive for. We'll have to look back in two years or three years and see the impact. The bottom line is that we have to do what's going to help our series for years. We can't be shortsighted on this.''