Wacky Idea: Running a Lola or Reynard at Indy as Promotion in May

[11rowsof3]

I have often said I would pay good money just to go back inside IMS and watch a 1993 Lola or similar run 20 laps by itself "at speed". Crazy, I know. Here is my wacky idea that probably is impossible, but give me your 2 cents:

Running a 2000 Reynard at some point in the Month of May (or similar rocket ship from the golden turbo-charged era).

1. Would any driver today be willing? The head protection from a side impact is not what it is now "but" we do have the SAFER system walls, so maybe a wash? The feet protection was vastly improved in the later 90's cars and we don't have to worry about another car making impact.

2. Could a car be reasonably prepared to run 240 mph speeds after 10-20 years in mothballs? Do suspension parts become less flexible, are their competitive engines that can be prepared for the crazy RPM that those CART engines had, etc?

3. If no current driver is willing, could I volunteer?


Would you be interested in seeing a car turn 240 mph laps if it wasn't "real", meaning just an exhibition?

[jkeener24]

I can't see any reason to run one at 240. It would be horrible promotion to run a car faster than the current cars and it's more likely to crash and possibly injure the driver since you'd be running it at or close to the edge of its capability. Seems smarter to run at 200-210, IMO. But yes, I'd pay to see even that.

[goner]

Sounds good but the owner probably would not be willing to push to those speeds, too risky of a run on the big track for the investment in the equipment. You can see them at the vintage races for your fix though.

And probably would be a disappointment anyway if you would be expecting to see and hear something way different than what is being run. Just my two cents.

[SilverArrow]

Not that wacky an idea, I'd go....

And I think you can still get an engine from Cosworth. Probably wouldn't be as high strung as what was running in 1999-2000, but it's a start!

[uncommonsense52]

"Hey fans, remember that time AOWR was more relevant? It kicked ass and looked like this. *Reynard goes by* I know right, wasn't that cool? You know later, we'll bring out 33 amorphous Dallara blobs that run way slower than that. Hey wait, where are you going? What? Back home to watch videos from the 90's? Yeah, well, **** you too then!"

[BizzyV]

What does it say for the sport that the coolest thing we can do to promote the product we have now is pull out a car from 20 years ago?

Better idea- Why not run something worth watching now?

[Mikemat5150]

I see no reason to run a 20 year old car around the track. That's what historic races are for.

[Moyer21]

I see no reason to run a 20 year old car around the track. That's what historic races are for.

Now there's an idea. A historic race at the speedway. Id definitely pay to see that.

[Team Canada]

Now there's an idea. A historic race at the speedway. Id definitely pay to see that.

I've got one that I'd love to see run Indy.

[Grinder-Tank]

Just turn the DW12 loose.

[WillMazeo]

I've got one that I'd love to see run Indy.

*.*
ICS should just do a "restart" with these cars. Update the safety part, make it lighter if possible and just manufacture them again for a while. ^^

[drdisque]

Tires are a big issue. The current tires weren't made for that car. You could slap them on and hope for the best, but you would have to spend at least a full day getting up to speed and even then the balance might not be right for what the car was built for.

[Buellboy]

Just turn the DW12 loose.

No kidding. The current DW12 with either a Chevy or a Honda can out perform the Lolas or Reynards of yesteryear right now if the current Indycar leadership would let it off the leash.

[goner]

Now there's an idea. A historic race at the speedway. Id definitely pay to see that.

You'll get your chance sooner than you think.

[BretEarl]

Only if Gordon Kirby drives and we take down the safer walls.