- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
IndyCar
INDYCAR: Last-Minute Turbo Changes For Honda Runners
The 10 Honda-powered teams have dealt with frustration after coming to Long Beach with an updated turbo configuration, only to have it changed upon arrival.
More than a few Honda-engined teams were frustrated to learn about last-minute turbo changes called for by the series. (Photo: Marshall Pruett)
The 10 Honda-powered teams in the IZOD IndyCar Series have dealt with frustration after coming to Long Beach with an updated turbo configuration, only to be told by the series that they would need to revert to the previous configuration before the start of practice.
Using a single BorgWarner unit, Honda teams have been somewhat vocal about the disparity in throttle response in comparison to the smaller twin-turbo configuration used by rivals Chevrolet and Lotus.
After registering those complaints, Honda was allowed to use updated units, but it's believed that pushback from at least one engine manufacturer caused the series to change its mind and seek additional information to support Honda's claims.
"It's something we're working on now to resolve, so I don't want to comment too much on it," said Will Phillips, INDYCAR's VP of Technology. "It's a matter of written word versus verbal word, and we're just pulling facts together now and will get with the manufacturers to sort it out."
The main issue at hand is how the performance of each INDYCAR-approved turbo has been benchmarked.
"It's always a challenge when you compare data on a gas stand, which is how turbos are measured, versus an installation that's in a car," he continued. "That's part of the interpretation of balancing the regulation. That's part of the challenge we have. Have we got conclusive data from any on-track stuff? No?"
The additional and visible turbo lag encountered by the Honda's could easily be quantified by looking through the on-board data from the cars themselves, which Phillips says is the next step in his fact-finding mission.
If the series elects to allow the Honda runners to use the faster-spooling turbo units, Phillips confirmed it would come no sooner than Brazil.
Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, covering IndyCar and sports cars. He also contributes to Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett on Twitter.
Using a single BorgWarner unit, Honda teams have been somewhat vocal about the disparity in throttle response in comparison to the smaller twin-turbo configuration used by rivals Chevrolet and Lotus.
After registering those complaints, Honda was allowed to use updated units, but it's believed that pushback from at least one engine manufacturer caused the series to change its mind and seek additional information to support Honda's claims.
"It's something we're working on now to resolve, so I don't want to comment too much on it," said Will Phillips, INDYCAR's VP of Technology. "It's a matter of written word versus verbal word, and we're just pulling facts together now and will get with the manufacturers to sort it out."
The main issue at hand is how the performance of each INDYCAR-approved turbo has been benchmarked.
"It's always a challenge when you compare data on a gas stand, which is how turbos are measured, versus an installation that's in a car," he continued. "That's part of the interpretation of balancing the regulation. That's part of the challenge we have. Have we got conclusive data from any on-track stuff? No?"
The additional and visible turbo lag encountered by the Honda's could easily be quantified by looking through the on-board data from the cars themselves, which Phillips says is the next step in his fact-finding mission.
If the series elects to allow the Honda runners to use the faster-spooling turbo units, Phillips confirmed it would come no sooner than Brazil.
Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, covering IndyCar and sports cars. He also contributes to Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett on Twitter.
Latest Gallery
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTO-RACING
-
LE MANS: Audi Leads Wednesday LM24 Qualifying
Audis 1-2-3 in incident-filled and shortened opening day of qualifying… -
LE MANS: Lotus LMP2 Returns To Track
Seized parts returned to Lotus LMP2, No. 31 car rebuilt and completes… -
SPEED, SPEED.com Plan Live & Continuous LM24 Coverage
In-car streaming of Corvette Racing highlights two-screen experience...… -
VIDEO: 8Star LM24 Wednesday vBlog
Rui Aguas checks into SPEED.com prior to the start of practice and… -
LE MANS: Corvette On-Board Pass Returns For LM24
Watch! Live in-car and garage cameras from Corvette Racing during… -
LE MANS: Lotus LMP2 Cars Seized By Court
BREAKING: Lotus T128 parts seized by local courts over financial… -
LE MANS: Taylor Brothers Continuing Family Tradition
Second-generation racers Jordan, Ricky Taylor seek victory at Le… - More News
