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- Valongo
- Hcclipper
[VRR][B-SPEC] 2017 Straight Talk IndyCar Series Season
- Thread starter Eva
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- 7,524
- Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- BlackRose_Atomic
VRR CEO Evangeline Porter stepped forward on Friday afternoon to discuss the engine drama with Audi and Aston Martin and clarify the sanctioning body's involvement in the withdrawals. "Audi had approached us asking if they could exercise a release clause to exit the series after 2017. They initially were to stay until after 2018, but with Volkswagon pulling the strings, all Audi could do was obey what was handed down. With that said, if a supplier feels they cannot supply potential demand or supply any demand with 100% effort, then the series needs to thank them for their support and let them go. Audi staying for 2017 shows their commitment with their customer teams. Aston Martin, on the other hand, is something I wish I knew more of. Aston Martin agreed to supply engines for the series on a one year at a time basis, so as far as VRR is concerned, they are within legal right to withdraw after next year. Their agreements with other teams does not rest in VRR's hands. They are separate businesses and operate as such. If AMR had a multi-year with a team and they backed from that agreement, then VRR will support that team's right for compensation and any decisions they take as to their futures. Personally, I believe Aston Martin were under the assumption that they were a high demand supplier, which wasn't ever the case. With Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Ford, and Ferrari, they were never going to be a top tier demand supplier." Porter also explained her feelings about being left with 4 suppliers after 2017. "I think those remaining will be happy with the idea. I don't see five being necessary unless there was a boom of entries, like up to 50. Having a fifth isn't something I'll rush for. But if a current factory team manages to lure a new manufacturer in and open up, say Chevrolet or Honda to a new factory team, then I would certainly entertain the idea if it meant having teams like Team Kate Upton or Eiffel Tower Racing Team Team as factory teams. Do I see Cat Devil Racing willingly move from Honda's A-Team position? No, but they are very Nippon-centric, and I believe if they were determined, they could pull Toyota or Nissan into the fold. Same with Polaris Motorsports. That is a team with A+ talent and A+ business management. A lot of European engine suppliers want to use Polaris as a opening to the series. She's [Stephanie Porter-Kelly] been in talks with companies like Renault and Peugeot since late 2015. If there is a time to make it work for her, this is now. But for now, my effort is on making sure Perl Speed GP and Swift Autosport have a competitive engine supplier. Both teams have race winning potential and they need to showcase that, especially given that Perlstein was robbed of over half a season with injuries.
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- Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
I am going to say right now that there is no chance that Cat Devil Racing will be leaving Honda. Angel Porter's remarks about Honda and Chevrolet are a transparent attempt to stir the pot. I do not care if other suppliers leave or why. That is their problem, not mine. This is why European suppliers are seen with disdain. If VRR really cared about consistent success, they'd leave the European companies out of it and keep it between genuine supplying companies like Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and keep it like that. If people want a scapegoat, point to the top of the pecking order.
- 3,440
- Keasbey, NJ
- Smurfybug
- Smurfybug
It's sad that our supplier is leaving, for which we've had a great relationship with them. If I had a problem with the car, then they would program it so i would like it. So I'll miss that. But I guess not everything is meant to last forever now is it? I have a pretty good relationship with Honda Atlas in Pakistan but I'll talk more about that some other time.
- 6,121
- Texas
Umm...I'm not going quite as far as Kuni. I do think there are situations that could alter all but CDR and Polaris. I can see Nissan-Renault moving up, though the question would be which one would take the reigns as I can't see them both moving up when they're allied as they are. I can see Nissan joining Sakura at Impulse, I can see Eiffel getting Renault if they make the jump. I'd rather it not happen, but I can see Ford telling me "Sayonara, sucker!" And offering Clayton & Cherokee all the money they want, OR Swift if I botch the engine build. Toyota might be a stretch, I don't see another European company jumping in, but if I wanted to see anyone jump in it just because, I'd love to see Mazda scramble the works.
I will site Kuni on the Euro issue. Ferrari is the only company out of Europe that pretty much ties itself to racing. Audi, being part of VAG, now has to deal with what VW did so after the WEC withdrawl I could see it coming. Renault may be the borderline as IIRC they were effectively forced out of F1 for a time, and returned. However, VW proper, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Aston beyond GTs, Porsche beyond the 911...no, I don't see the Porsche LMP1 program lasting more than three years from now... They announce that they are joining a racing division, run for a handful of years, then the moment they look vunerable they pack it up and leave town.
Anywho, as was stated I suspect Audi will fill the orders they have, Aston Martin on the other hand I can see pulling a Lotus.
I will site Kuni on the Euro issue. Ferrari is the only company out of Europe that pretty much ties itself to racing. Audi, being part of VAG, now has to deal with what VW did so after the WEC withdrawl I could see it coming. Renault may be the borderline as IIRC they were effectively forced out of F1 for a time, and returned. However, VW proper, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Aston beyond GTs, Porsche beyond the 911...no, I don't see the Porsche LMP1 program lasting more than three years from now... They announce that they are joining a racing division, run for a handful of years, then the moment they look vunerable they pack it up and leave town.
Anywho, as was stated I suspect Audi will fill the orders they have, Aston Martin on the other hand I can see pulling a Lotus.
- 35,507
- Addison,Texas
- GTP_RACECAR
While its not a massive surprise with Audi given the restructuring of VAG's Motorsport's activities, its completely unexpected for Aston Martin as I can't really see what would make them suddenly leave. Audi will be a massive loss for this series as the had a good portion of the field, about the same amount of cars and teams as Honda and Chevy did. They were also very good with their customer support as I've witnessed many times racing against some of their teams in GT.
- 2,532
- swiftautosport9
RM: Welcome to the final day of the Swift Autosport 2017 reveal. Today we have the driver of the #5 Pakistan International Airlines Aston Martin, Mohammad Ahmed. Glad to have you here Mohammad.
MA: Glad to be here Robin.
RM: Before we get started I have to ask. You said you have a great relationship with Honda Atlas in Pakistan. Any chance the team will be switching to Honda for 2018?
MA: Yes it's true I do have a good relationship with the guys at Honda Atlas. But at the end of the day it's up to Seth and whatever it is he decides to do. We'll all just have to wait and find out what the plan is.
RM: Well put Mohammad. Now with that out of the way how about we get to what you came here for.
MA: Sounds like a plan.
RM: The painters at the Swift Autosport garage really take pride in their work don't they?
MA: Yeah Randolph Pletcher, and Cory Savege put a lot of time and effort into everything they paint for this Swift Autosport team.
RM: Any thing you wanna say before I let you go?
MA: I just wanna thank Swift Autosport, Pakistan International Airlines, and everyone else who has helped make the 2017 season possible for me.
RM: Thank you again Mohammad for taking the time out of your busy schedule.
MA: Once again it's been my pleasure.
RM: With that said this concludes the Swift Autosport 2017 team reveal.
MA: Glad to be here Robin.
RM: Before we get started I have to ask. You said you have a great relationship with Honda Atlas in Pakistan. Any chance the team will be switching to Honda for 2018?
MA: Yes it's true I do have a good relationship with the guys at Honda Atlas. But at the end of the day it's up to Seth and whatever it is he decides to do. We'll all just have to wait and find out what the plan is.
RM: Well put Mohammad. Now with that out of the way how about we get to what you came here for.
MA: Sounds like a plan.
RM: The painters at the Swift Autosport garage really take pride in their work don't they?
MA: Yeah Randolph Pletcher, and Cory Savege put a lot of time and effort into everything they paint for this Swift Autosport team.
RM: Any thing you wanna say before I let you go?
MA: I just wanna thank Swift Autosport, Pakistan International Airlines, and everyone else who has helped make the 2017 season possible for me.
RM: Thank you again Mohammad for taking the time out of your busy schedule.
MA: Once again it's been my pleasure.
RM: With that said this concludes the Swift Autosport 2017 team reveal.
- 296
- Orlando
Michael Hayes: Crazy day in the world of VRR, and once again I'm sitting alongside the current Straight Talk IndyCar Series points leader, Stephanie Porter-Kelley. You were in the news again, more on a team front. VRR stepped forward this morning and announced that there was yet another expansion to thirty-three full time cars, with Polaris getting a first call at one of those new three slots. Your thoughts on that part of the news?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Jumping right into it, I would like to confirm that one, I was aware of this for about a month. That gave me enough time to gather the sponsors together to make Jacob Descoteau a full time ride. So, we are definitely will be taking one of those spots for him.
Michael Hayes: Straight forward answer. Good to see another talented driver getting a chance at full time again. The second piece has lit up the VRR community regarding the announced withdrawal of Audi and Aston Martin after next year. Angel Porter made comments in particular to you remaining in contact with different European engine suppliers despite currently being Chevrolet's factory team. Any truth or explanation to this?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Being honest, yeah, I've remained in contact with a couple European companies. I've kept dialogue open with Renault about using Alpine branded engines. And I've kept up with Mercedes regarding them wanting to enter. But, we are Chevrolet's factory team, first and foremost. We will give our 100% effort to whatever engine supplier we have. Our goal individually and as a team is to win championships. We will aim for that regardless if we have Chevrolet, Honda, or whatever. But we have to have an alternate plan for if Chevrolet selects a different team to be their factory team. We simply can't afford to rely on someone else for too long if they don't keep us on the right track.
Michael Hayes: So, you're loyalty is towards achieving constant success, not particular brand loyalty?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Essentially. I'd like to start a long running thing with a manufacturer, but if that means hunting and courting with a bunch of potential resources, then we will.
Michael Hayes: What about people like Jacob Descoteau, who are loyal to particular engine suppliers?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I'd like to hold onto him if I can if we move from Chevy. But I think he understands at this point that brand loyalty is secondary to having a full time seat, after almost not having one. If there are people that genuinely let brand loyalty prevent them from having a chance at a successful career, then I don't believe they have a great grasp on competition.
Michael Hayes: Time for the tough questions. Would you be confident if a team like Team Kate Upton or Scuderia Rabia Furiosa being factory team for Chevrolet?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I think I would be okay with Team Kate Upton being in charge of things. I would at least be okay with waiting a year to see how they would do before jumping ship. I can't say the same for SRF. No offense to Rivera or Montana, but I haven't seen anything from them competitively that says they would be able to handle it.
Michael Hayes: What would your opinion be on rebadged engines?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I think Sovereign Motorsports have gone a smart route in using a rebadged engine in their first year to save money. I personally believe that more should have done it. It's there for a reason, to save teams money and keep teams in operation. I think it's a good thing.
Michael Hayes: If Firestone were to stop being a tire supplier, what company would you like to see take over?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I would have to say Michelin. Pirelli I think would have a hard time figuring out the oval tires.
Michael Hayes: Driver you think will give you the hardest fight for a win in 2017?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: For a single race? I'd probably say Diego Jaramillo of those I've raced against before. But I wouldn't be surprised if someone like Nicole Liechti or Kevin Ritter brought a fight or two.
Michael Hayes: Driver you think will fight you for the championship?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I definitely think Alan Herrera will fight me hard again, and I can't bet against people like Michael White. Jaramillo will be a threat too I think more than anything.
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Jumping right into it, I would like to confirm that one, I was aware of this for about a month. That gave me enough time to gather the sponsors together to make Jacob Descoteau a full time ride. So, we are definitely will be taking one of those spots for him.
Michael Hayes: Straight forward answer. Good to see another talented driver getting a chance at full time again. The second piece has lit up the VRR community regarding the announced withdrawal of Audi and Aston Martin after next year. Angel Porter made comments in particular to you remaining in contact with different European engine suppliers despite currently being Chevrolet's factory team. Any truth or explanation to this?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Being honest, yeah, I've remained in contact with a couple European companies. I've kept dialogue open with Renault about using Alpine branded engines. And I've kept up with Mercedes regarding them wanting to enter. But, we are Chevrolet's factory team, first and foremost. We will give our 100% effort to whatever engine supplier we have. Our goal individually and as a team is to win championships. We will aim for that regardless if we have Chevrolet, Honda, or whatever. But we have to have an alternate plan for if Chevrolet selects a different team to be their factory team. We simply can't afford to rely on someone else for too long if they don't keep us on the right track.
Michael Hayes: So, you're loyalty is towards achieving constant success, not particular brand loyalty?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Essentially. I'd like to start a long running thing with a manufacturer, but if that means hunting and courting with a bunch of potential resources, then we will.
Michael Hayes: What about people like Jacob Descoteau, who are loyal to particular engine suppliers?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I'd like to hold onto him if I can if we move from Chevy. But I think he understands at this point that brand loyalty is secondary to having a full time seat, after almost not having one. If there are people that genuinely let brand loyalty prevent them from having a chance at a successful career, then I don't believe they have a great grasp on competition.
Michael Hayes: Time for the tough questions. Would you be confident if a team like Team Kate Upton or Scuderia Rabia Furiosa being factory team for Chevrolet?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I think I would be okay with Team Kate Upton being in charge of things. I would at least be okay with waiting a year to see how they would do before jumping ship. I can't say the same for SRF. No offense to Rivera or Montana, but I haven't seen anything from them competitively that says they would be able to handle it.
Michael Hayes: What would your opinion be on rebadged engines?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I think Sovereign Motorsports have gone a smart route in using a rebadged engine in their first year to save money. I personally believe that more should have done it. It's there for a reason, to save teams money and keep teams in operation. I think it's a good thing.
Michael Hayes: If Firestone were to stop being a tire supplier, what company would you like to see take over?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I would have to say Michelin. Pirelli I think would have a hard time figuring out the oval tires.
Michael Hayes: Driver you think will give you the hardest fight for a win in 2017?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: For a single race? I'd probably say Diego Jaramillo of those I've raced against before. But I wouldn't be surprised if someone like Nicole Liechti or Kevin Ritter brought a fight or two.
Michael Hayes: Driver you think will fight you for the championship?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I definitely think Alan Herrera will fight me hard again, and I can't bet against people like Michael White. Jaramillo will be a threat too I think more than anything.
- 2,532
- swiftautosport9
I'd like to start off by saying no. Swift Autosport will not be suing Aston Martin over the current situation. All of the people that work at the Aston Martin factory are amazing. It does suck that they'll be leaving at the end of the season but we'll make it work. We're currently talking to three engine manufacturers. One being Ford, the other is Ferrari, and Lastly Honda. All three of them are very different in their own ways. However they are similar due to the fact we have history with all three. We will be giving another update on this in the next few weeks.
- 8,117
- New Jersey
- CWM_GTRacer22
"I am extremely thankful for VRR's decision to increase the entry limit up to 33 cars. I'm also extremely thankful that the Polaris gang was able to acquire one of those seats, and make me a full time driver. I don't really know what else to say. It'll be awesome to have a full time ride with Polaris next year, and prove that it was a great decision to hand the seat to me. As far as that certain topic that was brought up in SPK's interview, I would be willing to go to a different engine supplier with Polaris if they ever choose to do so, if it meant having a full season ride. After this whole rideless to part time to full time driver situation, that would be my best bet. The guys over here at Polaris are amazing, and I hope to make this place my home for the next few seasons. As for more information on sponsors and the livery next year, just stay tuned..."
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- Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Cat Devil Racing has come forward and announced that it will be accepting the offered full time slot presented to them in the recent series expansion, with the team planning to make it's decision on who will get the nod between Nii Aryeetey and Kaylee Zappa when the team reveals their 2017 cars to the world on Thanksgiving. Team owner Kunimitsu Kino****a was unavailable for comment on the matter personally.
- 7,524
- Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- BlackRose_Atomic
The Daytona event scheduled for March 26th has been cancelled according to VRR officials. Reasons given include a very concerning safety risk regarding parts of the infield portion of the track and the turns 3 and 4 of the oval portion. VRR has stated that those that purchased tickets to Daytona can use those tickets at Homestead-Miami with no additional charge. VRR CEO Evangeline Porter could not be reached for comment, but it is rumored that the series is exploring making Edmonton's race weekend a double header to make up for the loss.
- 296
- Orlando
"Obviously, it's upsetting to lose a race in my home state. I was very much looking forward to racing at Daytona in an IndyCar. But in a different light, it'll likely be for the best to only have one Florida race at a time instead of the two in a row we initially had. Homestead deserves the series' undivided attention, and giving it the role of American season opener is great...I'm not necessarily on board with the twin double header idea in Canada. That kind of ruins the uniqueness of Toronto in my opinion. I'm certainly all for an additional road course, but I'd be all for aiming VRR towards places like Virginia International Raceway, or consider opening up another opportunity for the series to go to Austin. That's simply my opinion on that."
- 9,554
- Vermont
- catamount39
*silent fist pump and dab*
- 7,524
- Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- BlackRose_Atomic
Currently working on every team's 2017 financial prediction report. For those that competed in 2016, your 2016 balance will be at the top. Report will include a summary of each car on that team in regards to starting expenses and income from sponsorship. Will have these available privately to the teams by Thanksgiving.
- 35,507
- Addison,Texas
- GTP_RACECAR
- 1,382
- Minnesota
- SQE_HAZ3L
CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!
Can't wait for this season! Being part of a top team and going for that Driver's championship is the motivation right now!
Can't wait for this season! Being part of a top team and going for that Driver's championship is the motivation right now!
- 7,524
- Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- BlackRose_Atomic
VRR CEO Evangeline Porter has made the decision to not hunt for a replacement of the Daytona event, which had been cancelled on the grounds of safety concerns. It has also been replaced as a testing venue in favor of Sebring International Raceway, which will host an open test after the 2017 Monster Shootout in Las Vegas. Porter also announced that there would be one test in December at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The test will be a two day event on December 17th and 18th.
- 9,554
- Vermont
- catamount39
After a week of deliberation and both sides meeting in court, Perl-Speed GP has come to an agreement with Aston Martin upon the disavowed contract signed by both parties. Aston Martin agreed to pay upfront the agreed upon amount for the 2017 season, as well as agreeing to purchase back all parts and engines sold to the team. An apology was also issued on behalf of Aston Martin, who stated that there was a miscommunication within the company and that it had not intended to misinform the team about its intentions and the unknown exit clause within the contract that had not been agreed upon. While relations are tense, Perl-Speed GP will continue to be committed as an Aston Martin team in sportscars and dealers. The team however is still looking for a manufacture as of the 2018 season, and talks between Ford and Ferrari are apparently heating up. Rumor is that the team is leaning towards Ferrari, with a former Ferrari technical engineer residing on the team's design department.
- 12,893
- Divided States of America
- MikuHime80
@SebDev80
>>Oh brother. I understand the safety concern but at the same time, thats what attracts us here. Danger. If you don't like it get a dog and stay home. @DISupdates #Vrr
>>Oh brother. I understand the safety concern but at the same time, thats what attracts us here. Danger. If you don't like it get a dog and stay home. @DISupdates #Vrr
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