IndyCar aero kit unveils up to Chevy, Honda

Question: Still no word on when IndyCar is going to unveil the new bodywork kits? This is a slow time in sports and would seem a natural time to showcase how unique and different the kits are going to make the cars look. This is a huge step for what has been a spec series minus the different engine manufacturers. (James, Geneva, Ill.)

Answer: As I've said, it's not IndyCar's right to unveil the new products of Chevrolet and Honda, and neither manufacturer has revealed a rollout plan. However, IndyCar has a media day in Indianapolis next Tuesday, Feb. 17, and based on what I've learned from IndyCar there's a chance one of the manufacturers shows off its design (although not an actual car). Based on the schedule modification outlined yesterday by IndyCar, teams can begin aero kit testing March 13, which should mean some photographs leaking out. For sure, we'll see the cars on display March 16-17 at Barber Motorsports Park, a session I'm told will be open to the public. For those new to the story, the aero kits are the pieces that will be attached to the tub to control the aerodynamics of the car. Both manufacturers have gone their separate ways with design, so this program should make the cars look different. Chevy's teams include Ganassi, Penske, Carpenter and KV; Honda's teams are Rahal, Andretti, Coyne, Herta, Schmidt and Foyt. Graham Rahal said yesterday that he's seen Honda's aero kit and it's "extremely radically looking" compared to the current DW12.

Question: I see IndyCar isn't the only series having problems with cancelled events this year. The scheduled MotoGP race at Donington Park (Aug. 30) has been called off as the Circuit of Wales has missed payment deadlines. (John, Brownsburg, Ind.)

Answer: Hosting races is big money these days, whether it's meeting the sanctioning fee or the financing the completion of the track, which was the case in both of these cancellations. To your point, I believe MotoGP has had two 2015 cancellations already. IndyCar has just had the one in Brasilia.

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