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INDYCAR: Drivers Quash Texas Boycott Rumors
"We’re disappointed with the position we’re in but right now we feel like we can’t really boycott,’’ said Dale Coyne Racing's Justin Wilson.
Robin Miller  |  Posted February 23, 2012  
IndyCar drivers want nothing to do with the pack racing that has been happening on 1.5-mile ovals, but will wait to see what car configuration the series comes up with before making any moves. (LAT)
A few weeks ago there was a rumor that IndyCar drivers were going to boycott the June 9th race at Texas Motor Speedway unless the fencing was changed and pack racing was eliminated.

And that rumor was making the rounds of a couple racing websites again Thursday.

But two of the three veterans who represent the driver's committee say that’s not likely to happen.

"We’re disappointed with the position we’re in but right now we feel like we can’t really boycott,’’ said Justin Wilson, who begins his 10th season in American open-wheel racing next month.

"It’s just not the right thing to do. But I wouldn’t rule it out if no one is going to pay attention.’’

Tony Kanaan, who along with Ryan Briscoe and Alex Tagliani tested the new Dallara earlier this week at the high-banked, 1.5-mile oval outside Fort Worth, echoed Wilson’s comment.

"After Dan's tragedy, INDYCAR told us there would be no more pack racing,’’ said Kanaan, referring to the death of his former teammate and two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon in the season finale at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas oval.

"I can tell you after the test that there’s going to be pack racing with this aero package unless the downforce is reduced. But we’re hoping that INDYCAR can make some changes before we go back as a group and test again at Texas.

"Having said that, we don’t think boycotting is the right thing to do at this time.’’

Wilson said between flying cars and the resulting destruction of the cars in the fencing that pack racing cannot be allowed to continue. Texas and Las Vegas have the support posts of their fences in different places than most oval tracks.

"We seem to fly a couple cars a year and that fencing is like a cheese grader,’’ continued the 34-year-old Brit who resides in Colorado.

"The Safer Barrier was the best thing ever but that was 10 years ago and we think it’s time for us to take the next step on those kinds of fences.

"And the fans don’t pay money to take the risk they’re in when a crash like that happens.’’

Kanaan added: "We think the other type of fencing works better but if we don’t have pack racing then the fence isn’t as big an issue.’’

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard has been exploring alternatives for a safer fencing but that’s not going to happen anytime soon.

"Oval tracks are fun to drive and part of Indy car racing’s heritage and we want to keep racing on them,’’ said Wilson who comprises the driver’s voice along with Dario Franchitti and Kanaan.

"But we need to fix pack racing. It’s like we’re forgetting what happened to Dan and insulting his memory by not doing anything.’’

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.
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