I was (attempting) at being good-naturedly humorous that if you don't want a spec chassis, go to Formula 1 or Moto gp. It was my interpretation you were saying because Indy car is a spec chassis you haven't watched it. However then you say you want to see better competition.
Typically said F1 or MotoGP races are decided in the first turn or within the first few laps. Definitely not competitive (you would rather see better competition) which is the reason for a spec chassis in the first place for example with IndyCar and Nascar. Where is there a series that doesn't run a spec chassis that offers that better competition? I'm honestly asking, not wanting to stir the pot or cause any heartburn.
Well, it is a good question. I can´t think of one.
I will say this...I watch F1 because I do enjoy the tech. But even they have become more spec. There are fewer engine manufacturers now and satellite teams are using parts from the main teams. And the innovation has reached the point where most are going the same direction with most parts. The aero is looking VERY similar on the cars to the point where you have to get up close to really see the nuances. It´s very hard to see them on TV.
But I do still enjoy it.
BUt for comptetition...at incredible speed, I can´t see anything that touches the thrill of the Indy 500. Last year there were 16 different leaders. Nearly half the field led at some point! And the driver matters when they are that close. First, the driver matters for managing the changes in the car, primarily with the weight jacker. Tire degredation is a much bigger deal than in F1. It happens much faster. Pit stops are more complicated...making for more human element, and the racing is more of a chess game, particularly at the front. The 2024 race saw Pato incorrectly choose the wrong corner to pass Newgarden. He needed to make the pass in turn 3. Finally, the driver not only has to pick the right moves, but has to be brave. Drivers that don´t take the big risk...multiple times....don´t win the Indy 500. So yeah, the spec part of it did diminish an element of the Indy 500 that made it fascinating, but what replaced it was much better competition during the race itself.
The best of both worlds probably, in my mind, anyway....was 1982. You had lots of innovation, a diverse field of cars, including some real contraptions cobbled up at the rear of the field, and you had an epic 10 or so lap battle at the end that resulted in a photo finish. So that one had it all.
I do miss the innovation. But I know guys on the current teams and there is still a lot of stuff going on. You just can´t see it, which is a shame. Of course, I have to laugh at all the outrage over Penske getting caught with the smooth attenuator. I know guys on several teams who know enough that they cringe when their drivers and owners are publicly blasting Penske, knowing what´s going on in their very cars. But politics is part of racing, too. People just don´t realize how much of it there is. Except in F1. They seem to really understand it and in some weird way, embrace it.
