The Indy 500 used to be a race where manufacturers could build a one off entry in an attempt a win (what was once) one of the most prestigous races in the world.

The rule changes at Indy during the last 12 years have removed that possibility and in turn, have diminished it's prestige in global motorsports.

For this series to attract new engine manufacturers and grow in popularity, they need to change back to the day when Indy was a place of competition, innovation and yes, even a place of bending the rules.

There's a reason why Bonneville is still relevant to the manufacturers. They can lay claim to having the fastest hybrid or diesel or electric car.

This is the same reason why Le Mans is still relevant.

Hyundai might not care about winning the ICS championship. But they might like a win at Indy in their resume. A win that would mean much more if 25% of the field were something other than Honda's.

Spec racing is NASCAR. And it is at the heart of what is ruining NASCAR. So why would any series seeking to differintiate itself in the marketplace follow a failing strategy?

Diversity in the entrants is what built Indy into the prestigous race it once was. Only diversity will restore that prestige.

This goes beyond a new engine package for the ICS. The rules for the Indy 500 need to look back in order to move forward so that the embarrasment of the last 12 years can be put way behind it.

Until then, the Indy 500 is a race on the sechedule just like any other race. It just happens to be run at a place that is historical because of what was done before. But history can just as easily replace it, if it's place in history isn't carefully guarded.

That's my opinion anyway.