Chip Ganassi, one of the most successful racing team owners in American auto racing history, addressed the 40th annual All-America Team Banquet which is put on by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA). His speech centered around the need for auto racing to embrace the advancement of technology in order to stay as a relevant force in the culture as the auto industry continues to go through convulsions and will most likely never return to the level of participation it once had in all forms of racing.
Revealed in the speech was Ganassi’s plan to unveil the so-called “Delta Wing” car, which may serve as the future design for Indy cars, at an upcoming auto show. The ESPN story that we link to below surmises it to be the Chicago Auto Show. Ganassi said in his speech that embracing technology may upset some faction of racing supporters, but it is a necessary step to keep motorsports alive.
There is certainly irony in the fact that the banquet was held at the new John Force Racing headquarters in Brownsburg, Indiana. As Ganassi was speaking of technological advancement and efficiency, he was surrounded by racing engines based on ancient technology sporting refined, but antiquated superchargers, that burn exotic, carcenogenic fuel at rates that are measured in gallons per mile, rather than miles per gallon.
Ganassi’s words were powerful and were definitely a call to action for the crowd not to take the world of motorsports for granted and to strive for constant improvement. One section in particular, quoted by ESPN.com, struck a chord with us. Ganassi said, “We in the racing industry need to be bold in meeting and demonstrating tomorrow’s technology and innovations, showcasing what can be achieved as we embark on a new era of efficiency,” he said. “In order to keep the sport of auto racing healthy, it’s going to take our collective efforts.”
Source – ESPN.com – Chip Ganassi says the survival of the racing industry is not a given
