Comments on: Sarah Fisher’s Engine Dilemma

By: Arthur Alford (@chezcliff)

Arthur Alford (@chezcliff) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:27:25 +0000

According to Sarah Fisher’s Twitter, she has been chasing any engine contract she can get for months. So it’s not that she has turned down one; she hasn’t had an offer.

By: Jeff H

Jeff H — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:02:07 +0000

These are great points. It’s amazing to me that a lot of IndyCar observers were excited for the new chassis/engines precisely because we might have a period of time where Penske and Ganassi haven’t already won the race in the garage. And here we are not even having run a race yet, and the series is allowing a situation that puts an upstart team doing everything right (new facility, exciting new American driver) and a competitive disadvantage. I assume this will get fixed, but harm is already being done.

By: Jack The Root

Jack The Root — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:44:47 +0000

“I love Sarahs commitment and love for the sport but before we all get pissed off we also must look through the eyes of the manufacturers also. The best funded and balanced teams should be represented in the series.”

The “eyes” of the manufacturers say there are very few people watching this product.

Here you have a popular owner and the equivalent of a California Condor (an American driver). A combo that some folks might actually be interested in watching. And instead of getting the combo on the track, they are stuck with no engine for the first 25% of the year.

That is lunacy for a sport that continues to trump itself in stupidity. And it will kill any chance SFHR had, of getting into the IC Welfare Program (also known as the Leaders Circle) for 2013. The “little guy” will continue to stay miles behind and will never catch up (even with new cars/engines).

And Indy Car and its zealots continue to wonder why nobody takes them seriously and nobody gives a damn about their sport anymore?

By: Simon Garfunkel

Simon Garfunkel — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:35:27 +0000

Had Lotus played by the rules, you might have a point. I don’t buy that crap that Lotus committed to all teams that committed to them by Dec 31st. Never heard that. No in this case Sarah Fisher played by the rules and Lotus didn’t but Sarah suffers. It is totally appropriate for IICS to step in and save them. And please don’t dumb down this site with your buttass comment. Totally unnecessary.

By: JHall14

JHall14 — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:32:49 +0000

Apparently Terry Trammel is a very busy man, I mean how many times can INDYCAR keep shooting itself in the foot? This is all INDYCAR issues. Who is the parent and who is the child? You as a parent set the rules, the child lives by the rules. Same case scenario, INDYCAR must have blinders on to short side this issue, with engines. Now INDYCAR walks through a barrage of bullets with the issue of SFHR. Something also tells me we do not know the whole story on MSR also. GET IT RIGHT INDYCAR and let’s move on. Just do the right thing, we all understand. Your credibility is at stake.

By: JB

JB — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:37:11 +0000

Quite frankly it’s time for IndyCar to stop rescuing these buttasses who are a day late and/or a dollar shot.

By: Ron Ford

Ron Ford — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:49:48 +0000

I believe the story about Sarah turning down a Lotus is based on a post on TrackForum. Not the most reliable of sources.

By: Steve K

Steve K — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:25:07 +0000

I guess this boils down to life not always being fair.

By: steve

steve — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:36:19 +0000

Harsh realities for Sarah for sure but last year her team was a team that ran mainly just the ovals. Considering that her sponsorship came a little late may have been the decision makers reasons for not commiting sooner. I love Sarahs commitment and love for the sport but before we all get pissed off we also must look through the eyes of the manufacturers also. The best funded and balanced teams should be represented in the series. Sarah wanted Chevrolet and may not get what she wants but her team will get a engine deal and hopefully soon. As a fan I remember many teams having issues with engine programs so really this is not the first time that a team wanted this and got that. Until the three engine manufaturers get their programs up and running smoothly these things happen. Chevy and Honda have done what they said they would do . If people are upset they should put blame where it belongs and that is Lotus. Late in the game is no excuse and if they would have signed teams earlier than maybe Sarah would have been able to get the Chevy she wanted. Hang in there Sarah we love you and wish you the best.

By: Nomex

Nomex — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:29:59 +0000

I haven’t heard that either and I’ve followed this story pretty closely. Can you site your sources? As I recall, Lotus was begging for teams in December and not in a position to be making demands. If this were true, I think we would not have heard the outcry from fans, Robin Miller and even other teams and driver who are people that would have known this side of the story. If it IS true, then good for you. You scooped everybody.