The Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season resumes next weekend at Pocono Raceway, marking the series’ first race since the Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the end of May.
We’re a month removed from the series’ unveil of its new car, the Dallara IL-15, at IMS, and also one month away from the car’s official on-track debut in Mid-Ohio. A shakedown in Italy is scheduled for two weeks from today, on July 15.
It’s a little early to say yet what the demand and interest level in the new chassis will be. But initial discussions from key players set to be involved with the car after the unveil were positive.
Start first with project leader Tony Cotman, who had previously been instrumental in the creation of Champ Car’s new Panoz DP-01 chassis in 2007. While visually there are some similar lines to the DP-01 – including just a roll hoop with no airbox – Cotman called this a “clean slate” project.
“There were not too many parameters from Dan (Andersen) that tied your hands,” Cotman told MotorSportsTalk. “I didn’t walk in with any preconceived notions. We formed it as we went along. Any new car is exciting, and to be honest, it’s the most fun I’ve had on one.”
He added about the decision to avoid the airbox, “It’s one of those things where this particular vehicle didn’t need it. There’s many that like the no airbox look – me included – so we took that opportunity.”
Andersen, whose Andersen Promotions organization runs and operates the top three rungs on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, said details were important for the first new Indy Lights chassis since the series was reincarnated in 2002.
“There were so many big and little decisions to do, from the wiring, the water pumps, the fuel systems and on down the line,” he said. “We brought the car weight down 160 pounds, added more horsepower and created a better layout overall.”
Lower costs are a goal with this new chassis, but crucially, Andersen wants this chassis to serve as a selling point more for the opportunity and clarity the Mazda Road to Indy ladder creates.
“Cost is important, critical in fact. But I don’t know that current problems (with the series) have to do with budget. It’s about perception of what the series has,” Andersen explained. “Drivers pay double in Europe compare to a current Lights budget, with no guarantee of advancement, with no prize money, no exposure. We have to do a better job of selling what our championship is.”
Andersen said as a promoter and entrepreneur he’s “nervous” until he gets results, but did say there was good interest. Several team principals from other Road to Indy series – Pro Mazda Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda – were on hand at the chassis unveil at IMS.
One big racing name who is involved in this project is that of Dyson – their Advanced Engine Research company, AER for short – is tasked with being the engine for the new car. Rob Dyson, and later son Chris, were on hand at Indy for the unveil.
“I think it’s an evolution that was necessary,” Rob Dyson said of the new car. “It needed a freshening in every respect. I’m proud they’ve done not only the chassis but the engine combination with our technology. I’m elated we’re part of it.”
Driver-wise? Quick chats with Tristan Vautier, who will handle most of the car’s testing, and Spencer Pigot, the Pro Mazda points leader who’s poised to advance into Indy Lights next year, brought rave reviews for the car’s look.
“I really like the design – it’s got that Italian class, I guess,” Vautier said. “It’s a good mix of the American race car style, and Indy style, with modern European style as well. It’s a good blend. It looks beautiful and should be quick.”
Added Pigot, “It’s a very cool looking car; it’s a big improvement from the current model and the performance should be better. It’s very modern looking. It looks like a fast race car.”
