Richmond race prompts IRL changes
Three days after a much-criticized event at Richmond International Raceway, the IndyCar Series yesterday delivered on its vow to try to improve oval-track racing.
The IRL yesterday announced a series of adjustments teams can make to their cars for the rest of the season in an effort to improve handling and make passing easier for cars on oval tracks, The Indianapolis Star reported today.
The IRL laid out a series of mechanical improvements that teams will be allowed to add individually or collectively, at their comfort level, in a bid to increase downforce on the cars.
The moves are designed to improve side-by-side racing, something that was noticeably absent in Saturday night's race at Richmond. The event was won by Scott Dixon, who was unchallenged as he ran out front for more than the last half of the 300-lap race.
"It will make for side-by-side racing because we'll have more grip, and that's what the fans want," Tony Kanaan told the Indianapolis newspaper about yesterday's IRL changes. "Richmond was pathetic. If I was a fan, I would have left by lap 30."
Kanaan and other drivers were critical of the IRL's rules for car setups after the Richmond race, and they appealed to the sanctioning body to make changes that would help create more competitive racing.
Reader Reactions
I agree with Phil about NASCAR. Its not that their not friendly, they are just NOT AS friendly. They had such a meteoric rise in popularity so fast, I think it caught them off guard.
If you watched NASCAR pre quote un quote the “modern era” you would understand. Drivers would hang out before races with the fans, tickets were very affordable for everyone, Paul Sawyer was just a great owner of the Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway.
NASCAR got caught up with making alot of money, and trying to groom all of their drivers to have no emotions while wearing white hats. All the cars are the same and the rules are rigged for the big owners to win all the races. They still treat the fans well, but the races are dull and predictable.
I sort of agree with you Phil; it was not a very exciting race (which, in my opinion, is pretty standard fair for open wheel racing on an oval).
I’m glad the IRL is doing something to increase the “side by side” racing on ovals (long, long overdue).
It is interesting that you said that the IRL race at RIR is more fan friendly than NASCAR. I think that NASCAR is VERY fan friendly, so it is interesting that you dont’ think so…and, I would like to know why you think it is not as fan friendly as it used to be…
Anyway - go IRL
Kanaan was right…the race was very boring. My wife and I stuck it out to lap 200 of 300. We got home with 20 laps to go and didn’t miss a thing. It definitely was a boring race. The most exciting part was the people watching. I actually like going to the Richmond Indy race because you aren’t packed like a sardine like you are at NASCAR races and it is more fan friendly like NASCAR used to be. I hope next year is different for sure.
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