BEAUX BARFIELD. IndyCar Race Director/President of Competition said on pit lane prior to the race – “I don’t see everything, but when I see something, the hammer is coming down.”
In the IndyCar Drivers’ Meeting, Barfield said “There is no need to be driving below the White Line unless forced down.”
When asked Friday afternoon, in the post-qualifying media conference, what news there was on where he would be next year, RYAN BRISCO/No.2 Team Penske Chevrolet tersely said “I couldn’t tell you right now. I certainly hope to be in the top five points tomorrow night.”
Target Chip Ganassi Honda drivers, SCOTT DIXON of New Zealand and DARIO FRANCHITTI of Scotland, were interviewed just prior to the race regarding who they thought should win. Dixon thought Power should win – he’s had more wins and poles and deserves it. Dario said he didn’t care who won.
Dallara is the official chassis supplier for the IZOD IndyCar Series. It also works in other venues, such as Paralympic hand bicycles for former open wheel champion, ALEX ZANARDI. Working with the ebullient Italian sportsman, the engineers designed a technically legal prototype unique to Zanardi, but which could be adaptable to all, even those without disabilities. Zanardi went on to medal in all three of his hand bicycle events – two golds in individual events and one silver in the medley relay.
After his London’s successes, which were touted immediately and thoroughly through the motorsports world, Zanardi was then the focus of many who wanted him to consider running the 2013 Indianapolis 500 race.
In a discussion with Dallara engineers at Fontana, they said “It was probably possible to design hand controls and a cockpit which Zanardi could use. We would have to work with Alex. He’s already been racing in GT where he had hand controls. But there’s less space in an IndyCar cockpit. It’s more cramped.” The IndyCar already has hand controls such as paddle shifters and clutch. Braking would be the only thing to consider. In sedan racing, Zanardi used his hip to brake. At the Indy 500, braking isn’t a big consideration, as it’s mostly applied for pitting or avoiding an accident. Hand controls would not be the same complexity. It could be done.
Although I can’t find it in the IndyCar Rule Book, I’ve heard that IndyCar has a rule that requires a driver to extricate him/her self unaided.
The question is – is racing at the Indy 500 something that Zanardi really wants to do? When he decides to do something, Zanardi embraces it and trains whole-heartedly.
Two IndyCar owners, both being part of the same CART team with Zanardi, have said they’d like to see Zanardi race the 2013 Indy 500 – CHIP GANASSI and JIMMY VASSER.
WE’LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.