IndyCar close to chassis decision

July 2, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

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.