New IndyCar heads to Iowa Speedway

NEWTON - The IZOD IndyCar Series will have a new look with new features when it returns to Iowa Speedway.

The series introduced new engines and chassis for the 2012 season, which will be on display for the sixth annual Iowa Corn Indy 250 next weekend at the .875-mile oval. Race weekend opens with practice and qualifying heat races Friday. The main event will be Saturday night, starting at 9.

Nineteen IZOD IndyCar Series drivers tested the new cars at Iowa Speedway last Tuesday and Wednesday, reaching speeds faster than what earned pole position at the 2011 race.

"The most important thing we can continue to do," IZOD IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard said, "is stay with our focus of defining our sport as the fastest, most versatile race car and race-car driving in the world."

Bernard has been pleased with the start of the season, and the competition produced by the new cars. Social media buzz after the Indianapolis 500, which had 34 passes, proved fans have enjoyed the difference. It is key for the series to attract new followers.

"I know there was a lot of concern about this new car," Bernard said. "I think the car has shown some great race ability. That's a very important element in our future."

The new car was tested last summer at the track by the late Dan Wheldon, who won the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in 2008, and Bryan Herta Autosport. Some of the modifications include a change from a v8 to turbo-charged V6 engine, a car about 100 pounds lighter, ceramic brakes instead of steel and hand clutch located on the steering wheel as opposed to a foot clutch.

The chassis are cheaper for teams and are safer and more efficient. For the first time since 2005, IZOD IndyCar teams have an option to choose engines from Honda, Chevrolet or Lotus.

"The biggest thing for me, and most of the drivers, is the engine manufacturers competition," Franchitti said. "We're enjoying that."

Franchitti and defending Iowa Corn Indy 250 champion Marco Andretti said the new car is similar to the old model. The biggest differences are traction and the additional down force produced.

"The steering is heavier, which tells you you have more grip," Andretti said. "As a driver, it's definitely nice."

Multiple drivers have said it may have been time for change. Teams and drivers did about all they could with the old car.

"If you think about it we had those things absolutely wrung out and we had everything to come out of them," Andretti said. "We were pretty competitive in the old car as well. I think its just a credit to the team and just the quality of drivers."

The sport has seen dominance by Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing, who are teams with a financial advantage. The new car closes the gap since teams are back to the beginning with development. Drivers have progressed, running on various size ovals.

"We're still learning the car," Team Penske driver and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves said. "We're still understanding a little bit with the configuration and down force. It is the same for everyone."

The entire season will be a learning experience as drivers and their teams determine how the cars handle the characteristics of each track. Franchitti won his third Indianapolis 500 in May and earned the pole at the Milwaukee Mile, but results at the last two ovals haven't been stellar.

"Getting used to a new car is always difficult," Franchitti said. "At times, Texas (Motor Speedway), for instance, we just missed. We absolutely got it wrong. That's part of it. We need to do a better job."

The first three races highlighted the increase in competition and safety lessons. Through the first three races, there were six more lead changes by five more drivers than the same time last year. The number of cautions over the same time dropped from five to three. The winning margin of victory and time separation of the top five drivers narrowed.

"There's definitely no more lapping second place," Andretti said. "The majority of the people are on the lead lap and that's what it's all about."

The new car already has made an impact. It has the potential to create a better and closer race at Iowa Speedway, according to Andretti.

"I think it will be a great race," he said. "It will be close after the restarts. It will string out but not too much where it will be boring. I think it will be a great show for the fans."