IRL: Dallara concept is retained for the future of IndyCar

By ,

The Indy Racing League announced at noon on Wednesday that the new concept for the 2012 IndyCar would be designed by Dallara . The series will allow teams to develop their own aerodynamic packages, wings and bodywork and mate them to the new spec-Dallara chassis.

This way, the new formula will allow for diversity and although the series remains a single-chassis formula, participants as well as manufacturers/constructors will be able to develop their own aero packages, bringing variety of equipment back to what it was a few years ago.

The ICONIC (Innovative, Competitive, Open-Wheel, New, Industry-Relevant, Cost-Effective) advisory panel revealed during the press conference that Dallara concept had been chosen, as part of a low-cost package that it hopes will revitalise the series.

What is referred to as the “IZOD Safety Cell” will be build in Speedway, Indiana by the Italian manufacturer for a cost of around $350,000 which is almost half the cost of what is the current car costs.

Dallara will offer a $150,000 discount on the first 28 cars sold to teams based in the state of Indiana, which includes most of the teams currently racing in the series except Newman-Haas.

Teams will be allowed to race two different aero kits one each car per season, with the price for each kit capped at $70,000.

Every kit has to be made available to all entrants and must pass the series' safety tests.