Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Feb. 5 newsstand: Cotman & the past

A few things ...
Tony Cotman to IRL made official
As we noted last week, Tony Cotman has joined the IRL's executive staff as VP of Competition. Cotman spent the last three years as Champ Car's version of Brian Barnhart, but has an IRL tenure shepherding the move of AGR from CART to the IRL.
Says TC, who many said was one of the real bright lights in Champ Car: "I'm a big dreamer, and you put the right group together and pull in a common direction we'll be fine. ... I believe like many others that we'll end up one dominant or unified series over the next few years. And I know where I want to be."

Tech & rules stuff
This has been discussed, but the IRL is going to weigh car and driver this year.
So, when does Robby Gordon come back, now that Danica doesn't have the huge unfair advantage that brought her wins in virtually every IRL race she's ever run?

The Dallara will have 10-pound, 7mm-thick side intrusion panels to add to safety. It will join paddle shifters on the cars for 2008. This IndyCar.com story also has a history of IRL safety measures.
It also appears the current spec Dallara has a remaining 3-year lifespan ... "I'm very confident we have a very durable chassis, and the addition of these side intrusion panels will certainly make this chassis serviceable up to the introduction of our new car in 2010."

Former driver news
Congrats to three-time IRL champ Sam Hornish Jr. and wife Crystal on the birth of their daughter, Addison Faith Hornish.

Meanwhile, on the track, Dario Franchitti is getting used to stock cars with SpeedWeeks beginning.

Tune in
Thursday night, Danica Patrick and Tommy Kendall will co-host the SPEED Performance Awards. It will air at 10 p.m.

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