Comments on: Tony Kanaan Is Poised For A Big 2012

By: Robin Way

Robin Way — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:28:34 +0000

How much to you think the Viso PDVSA cheque is worth? How much do you think they sponsored him for through 2011?

By: redcar

redcar — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:29:56 +0000

It’s obviously been tough for everyone to get enthused about the silly season, considering the tragic conclusion to 2011. But jeez, there are some huge question marks going into next season. What impact will the accident have on car design? How will the schedule be impacted? How many teams/cars? Will the marketing plan for the Vegas race be implemented at other ovals? Will there be any ovals besides the Big Oval? Will Lotus show up at the dance? Will Sarah have a car? It will be interesting.

By: PC

PC — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:40:04 +0000

Wow, I did not know that. Obviously, I was under the impression HPD did the CART engines. Thanks for straightening out my understanding.

By: Dick Jones

Dick Jones — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:50:39 +0000

The 2.65 liter turbo CART engines were designed and built by Honda Racing of Japan which no longer has a presence in North America with cars or bikes. HPD was formed to handle their Indycar engine and Acura LMP programs, the only in house engine designed by HPD was the 3.4 liter LMP V8, they also built the production based LMP2 engine. In my opinion Ilmor has a much deeper database than everyone else, watch for Chevy to be on top by the end of the year.

By: The Speedgeek

The Speedgeek — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:45:41 +0000

As far as I’m concerned, if KV can sign Justin Wilson for one of their other seats, I’ll pick them to fill two of the top-7 in points at the end of next season, possibly with one of them in the top-3. To boot, I’ll also predict that I’ll own one of each of whatever merchandise items that KV sells. That’ll be my team right there.

By: The Speedgeek

The Speedgeek — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:44:02 +0000

From what I’ve heard, the Chevy teams, as per GM’s direction and following their example set in NASCAR’s Cup series, are going to share data to a large extent during the preliminary testing. Not sure about Honda’s take. So, I’m sure that Penske will pull out some extra tricks by the time we get to St. Pete, but I think that KV, Andretti, Panther and whoever else goes with Chevy will start with about the same baseline as Penske has by the end of 2011.

By: JohnMc

JohnMc — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:10:22 +0000

In my opinion, If TK gets the team organized and focused by May then it doesn’t matter if it is Chevy against Honda. TK will be up front and I would like nothing better than to see him get his bust on the Borg Warner Trophy and a bottle of milk. He will be my guy this year.

By: PC

PC — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:11:22 +0000

Just as an aside on the Ilmor/HPD issue… Chevy never put up of a fight and Toyota bailed early, so as a spec supplier ever since, Ilmor Hondas have had it very easy. HPD, of course, built the TURBO engines back when there was serious competition between Honda/HPD, Toyota/TRD, Ford/Cosworth, and Mercedes/Ilmor. Toyota started getting an edge toward the end, but HPD dominated most of its time in CART. I am not knocking the new Chevy/Ilmor, I am just saying don’t underestimate HPD.

By: Travis R

Travis R — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:21:09 +0000

Very interesting piece, George. I had to vote for “who knows? It’s too early to think about 2012.” Not because I’m not thinking about it, but because there are so many exciting changes coming down the pipe. I hope 2012 shakes up everything. I just can’t wait to hear those turbo V-6′s fire up!

By: Paige

Paige — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:03:58 +0000

It would be a very popular win if TK drinks the milk at Indy next year. It would also be very emotional. It’s been a long time coming. Would love to see it.