P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Welcome to the RACER Mailbag. Questions for any of RACER’s writers can be sent to mailbag@racer.com. We can’t guarantee that every letter will be published, but we’ll answer as many as we can. Publ…
Welcome to the RACER Mailbag! Send your questions for our writers to mailbag@racer.com, and while we can’t publish every letter, we’ll do our best to answer as many as possible. Questions received after 3pm ET on Mondays will appear the following week, and published questions may be edited for length and clarity.
One reader raises a conspiracy theory about Honda and IndyCar, suggesting that Roger Penske, who owns both Ilmor (which makes Chevrolet engines) and IndyCar, may want to eliminate engine competition and benefit financially from a spec engine. However, American Honda/HRC US has expressed interest in buying or leasing a spec-ish motor instead of developing their own, and has suggested Ilmor as a potential supplier. This actually aligns with Honda/HRC’s desire to reduce their racing budget and their respect for Ilmor’s expertise.
Regarding the restoration of ’90s CART cars, the availability and cost of parts can vary. While some teams might hold onto their old cars, interested individuals can pursue restoration projects. These cars can be seen running at vintage festivals like the Goodwood Festival and also at SCCA and NASA events, where there are plenty of open-wheelers.
I hope this summary is helpful! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.