Indycar Aero Kits and Loss of Tradition

Just watched video of Ed Carpenter going airborne after hitting the wall in turn 2. This is the 3rd driver this week to do this with these new aero kits they have this year. As a veteran Indycar fan I think too much technology is getting into these cars. The more aerodynamics the greater the speed. The greater the speed the more likely someone is going to get killed.

If you remember 1973 and the large wings and turbo boost they were using. 2 fatalities and 1 horrific accident. The next year USAC cut the wings and the boost and brought it under control for a few years. We are now seeing speeds over 230mph+, 198mph in 1973. I love racing and speed is part of it, but this track was built in 1911 and doesn't have the banking that say a Daytona does. A car used to hit the wall and the driver kept it there sliding to quickly reduce his speed. Now come aero kits and the only sliding done is after you have landed.

Next, I am glad to see that Indycar has a better idea that fits into modern society. Pole day, wow where do we start. Pole day is Saturday, you go out on the track check your speeds and if you aren't satisfied you bring the car and make some adjustment and then get in line. No, we got do-overs and fast 9. Really? You go out on Saturday run the fastest 4 laps of anybody and then that gets wiped out so 8 other people can go after your accomplishment. And we do it all over on Sunday to see who gets the pole. Our do-over society. Indycar says it adds excitement, at least that what my email said from IMS about going to qualifications.

Just keep making all these changes and watch the crowds get smaller and smaller each year.

From turn 1 last year Saturday qualifying. In the 1970s it would have been packed and stacked. Now as you can see no one cares. See you at Indy next week!