Open wheel affairs.

Indy, alas Indy or should I say Izod before I  can mention the series? Speaking of Izod, it's odd to see a clothing company as the main sponsor of a series. Can you imagine a GAP 500 at Daytona or a Tommy Hilfiger Cup series? Strange. Although I have much to say about a series that ran the same chassis, engine and tire for the past six years or so I must admit there might be some interesting changes that could make the league worth your time and money.

 The cars are brand new, designed by Dallara in Italy, and soon to be manufactured at a new facility in Indianapolis. Although they will all be the same, aside for some "aero kits", it should be exciting for the first few years at least. Engines are also new, and sound quite nice. They have more of a grunt compared to last year. Three manufacturers are set to  supply a combination of Turbo and naturally aspirated 4 and V6 engines running on E85 fuel. They include Chevy, Lotus and Honda. The cars look quite sleek, and one might even suggest nicer than the current platypus looking F1's. The words used by Indy directors was sexy, and to some extent I could agree. At first view they seem like something out of Paul Bartel's Death Race 2000 but once you see them in person, and get better acquainted, the lines make more sense.

If all the new technology wasn't enough, long time Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello made a second appearance last weekend testing for Jimmy Vasser's KV racing team.  Apparently a deal is practically finished and it could mean extra T.V. ratings from a large Brazilian audience. Many who still root for Barrichello and want to see if he can redeem himself after 20 years in F1 without a championship. Not to dis-merit his over 300 Grand Prix resume, which is the current world record. Native supporters aside, who doesn't want to see a F1 driver going around circles in the U.S.?

It seems as if after a long time Indy  finally has a few exciting things going for it. Which comes in perfect timing considering many were questioning the leagues very existence after the fatal crash involving Dan Wheldon at Vegas last year. Although I think the changes are nothing spectacular its a humble start that could perhaps make it a true competitive racing environment once again, and not just a marketing tool for big companies.

Barrichello returning to pits.