Our long term stance has been that we don't care how many cars race in any particular series, nor at any particular race source: paddocktalk.com - rumors Creating a series with lots of traffic, doesn't always make the racing at the front better, but sometimes it can make it more dramatic. But there is one exception. Tradition. And the IRL IndyCar series has a big traditional number to pull out of its hat each year.... 33. Over the last five or more years, assuming a 22 car average size field that has meant an increase in the average season field size of nearly 50%. This morning, the Indianapolis Star is reporting that the Indianapolis 500 one-offs, will have engine costs reduced by 50% from $500,000 for a one-month lease to $250,000 with an option to sit idle until after the first weekend, and only pay $115,000 for the engine lease. This effort continues a theme by Honda and the IRL that reduces overall engine costs for participants. In 2005, teams paid over $1.7 million for engines over the course of a full season. By 2007, Honda Boss Robert Clarke has stated that number will be nearly cut in half. Since forming the IRL IndyCar series 10 years ago, the Indianapolis 500 has always had at least 33 cars. The PaddockTalk Perspective: As we say... two cars, two drivers... Drop the flag, It's all good! Racing isn't about car counts. Racing is the thrill of competition, and knowing the best drivers have the best equipment to show us their best when the most is on the line.
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