"It's flattering that a group like that would be interested in using the Indy Lights series to make their mark and prove themselves," he said. "It's a pretty awesome car, but it doesn't take much thought to see the difficulties in messaging with a car like that in terms of driver development. We're supposed to mimic what the big cars (IndyCar) are like, although you can learn the things like racecraft and many things in most cars, but there's a bit of disconnect between it and a traditional Indy car.

After making a huge media impression at Le Mans, the DeltaWing is reportedly being entered to run as an unclassified entry in October's Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. (Photo: Marshall Pruett)

"But on the other side, there are so many positives, you can't help but give it a good look. We've done that and continue to do that."

Firestone, longtime partner and sponsor of the series, produced the original four-inch-wide front tires for the DeltaWing concept car that was unveiled in 2010, and would be willing to support the car if it's chosen for 2014.

"There's a number of different ways of looking at [the DeltaWing] from a tire perspective," said Al Speyer, Bridgestone Firestone's executive director of motorsports.

"It does offer us some unique opportunities, especially in the environmental area where it's half the weight, half the power, half the fuel consumption, but the same performance, in general terms. Technically, we feel very comfortable [making] those tires."

In addition to DeltaWing via Elan Technologies, California's Swift Engineering has also submitted a proposal to supply the 2014 car, along with Italy's Dallara, France's Mygale, and a few brand-new entities that have been formed specifically to submit an Indy Lights bid.

Answers on which direction the series will take with its 2014 car could come as soon as September.

Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, and covers the IndyCar Series. He also contributes to RACER, Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett.