IndyCar Series

[nzjrs]

Aparently Bob Fernley is out (fell on his sword?) at McLaren

https://www.racefans.net/2019/05/20/mcl ... -indy-500/

[roon]

...in retrospect, maybe for the best. That car was not going to be competitive anyway.

Why is that? Strictly down to set up? I understand the chassis, the bodywork, and the two engine choices are spec items. Are springs and dampers also? Why can't an established and well funded team arrive and flip the right switches and turn the right dials when they seemingly have the same car as everyone else?

Car set-up. You don't just show up to Indy with a car and expect to compete like Mclaren did. It sounds like they were loaned a set of dampers from Andretti and car set-up notes from Penske. They improved, but still didn't have it sorted. It's quite embarrassing, and comical.

At what point does endless fine adjustments of a spec vehicle become indiscernable from gambling based on superstition? I wonder.

[subcritical71]

I wouldn't say its gambling, but you do need to have a history or understanding on what will work (and in which combination it worked) from the past. From the rules there isn't much scope for improvement other than friction reduction which during the broadcast it was mentioned teams spend alot of time doing in the gearbox. So much so that destroying your indy gearbox and having to install a standard gearbox will cause you to loose pace.

Its interesting that one of the cars which went out the broadcasters mentioned they had increased the downforce so they can get through the turns faster and sacrifice top speed. It seemed to work as they are in the race.

Rules on what can be developed;

14.2.1. Development Areas
14.2.1.1. The following areas are open for development. The mating part(s) must remain as supplied, and the areas must otherwise comply with the Rules.
14.2.1.1.1. Non-Engine oil and greases,
14.2.1.1.2. Dampers and inerters (Rule 14.10),
14.2.1.1.3. Treatments and coatings of the inside of the gearbox and/or gearbox internals,
14.2.1.1.4. Treatments and coatings of all bearing surfaces.
14.2.1.1.5. Bearings and bearing races (excluding upright and gearbox bearings) provided they are of the same size, type and design as originally provided by the Approved Supplier.
14.2.1.1.5.1. Hybrid and/or ceramic bearings are not approved for use.
14.2.1.1.6. Fuel cell collector pot (the fuel cell collector pot must remain inside the fuel cell, must have a -6-port plug drain at the base of the collector, and must fill during an INDYCAR performed fuel cell capacity check),
14.2.1.1.7. Refueling hose end that connects to the tank,
14.2.1.1.8. Internal brake ducting must be completely contained within the brake duct.
14.2.1.1.9. Brake bias cable (concept of operation must remain the same as the supplied bias cable)
14.2.1.1.10. Bushings,
14.2.1.1.11. Plumbing,
14.2.1.1.11.1. Water pipes,
14.2.1.1.11.2. Oil pipe (at least a six (6) inch flexible section must remain at the radiator end of the pipe),
14.2.1.1.11.3. Plumbing of the fuel cell lines,
14.2.1.1.11.4. All other plumbing is limited to a change of line type, size, fittings, and routing.
14.2.1.1.12. Spacers,
14.2.1.1.13. Drive peg extensions,
14.2.1.1.14. Pushrod ends,
14.2.1.1.15. Anti-rotational devices are permitted on pushrods and toelinks, provided they remain parallel to the mounting surface. Devices must be submitted to INDYCAR via IRIS for approval.
14.2.1.1.16. Anti-roll bar adjusters must be submitted to INDYCAR via IRIS for approval,
14.2.1.1.17. Nuts and bolts including bolt head types,
14.2.1.1.18. Heat shielding other than fabrics or sleeving must be submitted to INDYCAR via IRIS for approval.
14.2.1.1.19. Pedal heads must be submitted to INDYCAR via IRIS for approval,
14.2.1.1.20. Speedway front wing adjuster knob,
14.2.1.1.21. Brake master cylinder rod extensions,
14.2.1.1.22. Throttle damper extension,
14.2.1.1.23. Brake pedal pivot bushing,
14.2.1.1.24. Seals – except for those listed in Rule 14.16.3.
14.2.1.1.25. Studs – except for those listed below:

[bill shoe]

At what point does endless fine adjustments of a spec vehicle become indiscernable from gambling based on superstition? I wonder.

I figure if Penske won the Indy 500 17 times in 50 years then it's reasonable to assume it's based on some type of skill rather than gambling or superstition. Most of those wins were in spec chassis or off-the-shelf chassis, so they had to out-prepare and out-adjust competitors who were using the same car. They have good funding, but ultimately they have the same fundamental scarcities--practice time and tires--as everyone else.

Dave W and others have noticed that spec series like GP2 get consistently quicker over the years despite the engines, tires, aero-package, etc. remaining unchanged. When the rules take some knobs away, you learn to be really effective with the remaining knobs.

[subcritical71]

It’s been reported that Bob Fernley has been axed.
Also being reported that the option existed to buy a seat but Alonso didn’t feel right about taking a seat someone else rightfully won.

[vdemeter]

This is really embarrassing!

https://apnews.com/a8653967a9714ac7a9a3ba576f712fff

[hollus]

OMG.

[nzjrs]

This is really embarrassing!

https://apnews.com/a8653967a9714ac7a9a3ba576f712fff

Credit to Brown for being so forthcoming here, but it could also just be a ploy to save his own backside.

[tok-tokkie]

I am impressed by Brown's candid and objective analysis of the problems and taking the blame on himself when he could have named the people who actually failed in their work.
My respect for the man grows.

[wesley123]

I am impressed by Brown's candid and objective analysis of the problems and taking the blame on himself when he could have named the people who actually failed in their work.
My respect for the man grows.

tbh he really doesn't, he uses 'we' instead of 'I' and also blames project management, as well as Carlin, their partner for the event.

[jjn9128]

This is really embarrassing!

https://apnews.com/a8653967a9714ac7a9a3ba576f712fff

IMO this gives a good indication of what's wrong at McLaren - when there's a blame culture rather than one of learning and growing from mistakes it makes employees unwilling to come forward with problems which then fester and corrupt, becoming ingrained. I'd guess whoever messed up the metric/imperial conversion was also fired.

The car had an electrical issue in last month’s test at Indy and an employee was taken off the team for the error. Alonso had another electrical issue on opening day for the 500 and the alternator and wiring loom had to be replaced. Alonso crashed on the second day, and McLaren missed all of Day 3 rebuilding the spare from Carlin that was finally the proper shade of orange.

I'll echo what Wesley said, in that interview Brown has this façade of contrition, but actually he's shifting blame onto project management (Fernley - already fired), some nameless employees, and Carlin. Corporate bullshit and spin at it's best.

[santos]

At least Fernando learned that blaming a partner publicly, isn't the right way to resolve the problems. I think he should leave McLaren, and make a full season with the Andretti team.

[aran.vtec]

At least Fernando learned that blaming a partner publicly, isn't the right way to resolve the problems. I think he should leave McLaren, and make a full season with the Andretti team.

They in this situation cause honda would block honda teams from officially partnering with them like they did in 2017

So Andretti is 100% out for Alonso

[subcritical71]

This is really embarrassing!

https://apnews.com/a8653967a9714ac7a9a3ba576f712fff

Gear ratio, yeah, where have we heard that one before! oh right, in your F1 program! WTF, metric to imperial is not that tough.

[NathanE]

GP2 team, GP2 team