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15 Jun 2004, 05:29 (Ref:1004271) | #1 | |
Rookie
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 52
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Pace Car selection for Indy 500
What exactly is the basis or criterion for selecting a pace car or manufacturer for a pace car for the Indy 500?
Since Honda for example seemed to so utterly dominate the top finishers - will they 'earn' the rights to a pace car next year? Or will GM do a Corvette or perhaps an SUV again? Do pace cars have to be sporty or performance oriented or can an SUV or mini-van be used? Or is it all politics or a money game or what to be a pace car? |
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15 Jun 2004, 06:06 (Ref:1004282) | #2 | ||
Veteran
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 611
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its pretty much all a money game
the only performance requirement is that the car can comfortably cruise at around 100 mph. in 2001 the pace vehicle was an Olds Bravada (SUV). the last 8 pace cars have been GM's. Don't be suprised if its another GM next year with the whole "American Revolution". My guess is that it will be a C6 Corvette. http://www.indy500.com/pacecar/ <-list and pictures of all the pace cars. |
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__________________
racing is an addiction that once you get it into your blood, no matter how long you sit out, its always there. |
15 Jun 2004, 06:12 (Ref:1004283) | #3 | |
Rookie
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 52
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Yep - the old Bravada - I KNEW there was an SUV in there somewhere. Just need a minivan next.
So is it kinda like the Motortrend COTY thing each year? W/ all due respect I'd kinda think a company such Honda - given this years results deserves something. Then again the Japanese makers certainly have the deep pockets to play the money game too? Could it be an anti-Japanese thing? E.g. are there some organizer(s) that would prefer to not have a pace car of Japanese make pacing the Indy 500? Just curious if that's a possibility... By the way is the same Corvette used for pacing other IRL races or who paces those? thanks for the link. |
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15 Jun 2004, 06:41 (Ref:1004299) | #4 | ||
Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 693
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The Indy 500 pace car has never been from anyone but American manufacturers. I remember a few years ago they were toying with the idea of using something foreign, but it still hasn't happened. May never happen...
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__________________
When asked facetiously if he knew he’d ruined a good story line by beating Patrick, Wheldon responded bluntly, “Don’t care one bit.” |
15 Jun 2004, 07:46 (Ref:1004339) | #5 | |
Rookie
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 52
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Then maybe it's not a sellers market but a buyers market... that is maybe GM gets to write the ticket because they know the only alternative is to select a Toyota or Honda for pace car duties...? Food for thought...
Likewise would IRL ever 'let' Chevy leave IRL for similar reasons? Now that I think about it - does being the unique 'American' maker in IRL - does that put them in a better position for their relationship w/ IRL. Just kinda thinkin' out loud here ... |
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