Spinning Around the World with Indy Lights and A1GP
by Allan Brewer
allan@indyproracer.com
AFS Andretti Green's Arie Luyendyk, Jr moves to the beat of two distinctly different racing sirens: the Firestone Indy Lights Series in the United States, and the sun-loving A1GP World Cup of Motorsport that circles the globe.
Back in America for this weekend's Firestone Indy Lights Kansas Lottery 100, the twenty-six year old racer looks to become the first winner at Kansas Speedway since the series last visited the Sunflower State in 2004.
His season has started with a great run at Homestead Miami Speedway where he finished fourth on the oval; followed by a sixth place result in the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg race one on April 5th.
A start this weekend would make his fiftieth, the longest tenure of any Indy Lights driver. His consistency in the series permits him a long-term view of a fast-changing sport.
The changes to the Indy Lights are significant, beginning with the machinery.
"The mono shock (suspension, replaced in 2006)," Arie said, "was difficult. It was difficult to adjust, especially on the ovals. It was a good move to go to a dual shock car."
"IndyCar Series cars are a dual shock, traditional race car. Learning how to adjust the mono setup was not really beneficial."
"The extra downforce (a change introduced in 2007) is good for the short ovals," he continued. "It balances the car better."
Kansas Returns as a FireCracker Event on the Schedule
Kansas Speedway historically produces crackerjack racing, with multiple-car wide charges and close finishes that delight fans and bring them to their feet.
"I think Kansas is a place that will bring all of the drivers together," in packs of cars, Arie said.
"It's similar to Chicago, and it's going to make it interesting for the fans to watch," he continued.
"A lot of cars are going to be running really close together. I think it's going to be really important to qualify well and have a car that will run anywhere on the racetrack--in the high or low groove."
Luyendyk, Jr also cites a higher level of competition as being a hallmark of the Indy Lights series over the last several years.
"The competition level has definitely stepped up," from the series inaugural season of 2002.
"You have a lot of guys trying to get to IndyCar," he said. "It seems to be the best route, perhaps the only route, as far as a development series is concerned."
"We have a really solid field of 22 to 24 cars consistently now, and that makes the racing much more fun."
Luyendyk Developing Worldly Perspective to Racing Genres
Racing in A1GP has given Arie both an opportunity to showcase his considerable skills behind the wheel and pick up on new technologies that have not yet reached the Indy Lights.
"Hopefully we'll soon get shift paddles in the car," he said. "I'm accustomed to driving with that in A1GP and I think it's a great tool for the driver. Now that the IndyCars have them, I think we should go to that too--next year if possible."
"I would like to see the no-lift shifting back. That's something they had in the car and they took away from us, and I really liked that."
"It's interesting how they do starts in A1GP," he added. "They have one race that's standing start and one race that's rolling start. I think for street courses, just to mix it up, we should try that."
Throwing Down the Gauntlet to the World's Best Open-Wheelers
Arie will rejoin A1 Team Netherlands in a week to contest the season-ending Brands Hatch A1GP event at Kent, UK.
"Having 22 to 24 cars makes the racing more fun," says Arie Luyendyk, Jr
Several of Arie's A1GP peers have expressed curiosity to him about Indy Lights.
"I saw a few walking around in St. Petersburg. Jonathan Summerton, who won the Shanghai A1GP race, was there."
"Guys are really interested in the series," Arie continued. "The Euro and the Pound are high now (versus the dollar), so I wouldn't be too surprised if some guys make their appearances."
"That just makes the series better, makes it stronger."
And, "I'm sure if they did, we would have something for them."
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