As how come those darn Flinstones’ were Hard as
Rocks?
Although I haven’t been reading Racer’s Mailbag
lately. I did listen to Marshall Pruett’s The Week in IndyCar March 13th edition
recently.
Regarding all of the reported grousing over the
St Pete season opener being a Dud! Marshall pointed out one fact that seems to
not be being discussed.
The current spec Dallara DW12 which ironically
contested it’s 200th race at St Pete, is currenty 30-31 pounds lighter than
it’s predecessor – due to the weight savings initiatives taken for the coming
(Hybrid) Energy Recovery System (ERS) slated for this July.
Yet as Pruett sagely points out. Firestone had
to make it’s tyres for the perceived debut of the DW12 with Hybrid technology
at St Pete, where it was originally planned to debut. And thus Firestone has
had to produce harder, longer lasting tyres that can withstand the added burden
the ERS will place upon the rear tyres. Along with producing various 2024
rubber compounds for the first half of the year which now is non-hybrid.
Pruett notes how yes, it would have been nice
to have added an additional ten laps to St Pete’s total, i.e.; 110 vs. 100
which would have given teams the option to run a three stop strategy. But we
only had 100-laps and tyres that didn’t degrade quickly due to the perceived
arrival of the DW12 with ERS. And so none of the drivers were overly enticed to
take any daring overtaking risks. And hence, St Pete became processional, which
has happened during more than one IndyCar race, or now weekly in Formula 1!
Perhaps IndyCar will revisit the upcoming race
distances? But I wouldn’t hold your breath upon that!
As the teams will just need to adjust their set-ups and strategies, and presumably if Ganassi and Andretti can qualify further up the grid. Along with at least Christian Lundgaard for Bobby Rahal & Company. Along with Pato O’Ward and the McLaren Boyz’ continue Harrying the pack, then Team Penske should have plenty of competition to contend with…