Long Beach Grand Prix Race Thread

So two more drivers, Hinch and Sebass are going to be penalized for engine changes even before qualifying? Can anybody explain this stupid rule to me? It effectively takes out 2 drivers who have shown flashes of greatness already this season and now they go back 10 spots on the grid after having "engine issues" in testing? These problems are with the manufacturers not the drivers for gosh sakes. With all the electronic controls, drivers can't over-rev an engine even if they tried. This rule has got to go. What happens if the pole winner at the 500 has "issues" during carb day? Makes no sense at all.

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Originally Posted by booger

So two more drivers, Hinch and Sebass are going to be penalized for engine changes even before qualifying? Can anybody explain this stupid rule to me? It effectively takes out 2 drivers who have shown flashes of greatness already this season and now they go back 10 spots on the grid after having "engine issues" in testing? These problems are with the manufacturers not the drivers for gosh sakes. With all the electronic controls, drivers can't over-rev an engine even if they tried. This rule has got to go. What happens if the pole winner at the 500 has "issues" during carb day? Makes no sense at all.

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Agree. Marshall Pruett wrote about this subject at Speed today.

PRUETT: 10 Spots Of Stupidity

The mileage penalty should go away until the engines and electronics are sorted out and the whole package is more reliable. I would hate to see this become deciding factor in the championship. Engine failures and dnfs are penalty enough.

Chevy are changing all 11 engines ... All teams/drivers to take a 10 position grid penalty

We all know that the only attendees at these street races are event fans anyhow...

But how is joe six pack I'm only here for the party going to process Will Power winning the fast six shoot out on Saturday ... Then show up on Sunday and his dallara lined up 11th...

Heads might explode

Just saw the story on Racer that all of the Chey engines are being changed, so I somehow expect this "rule" to disappear from the books in the next few hours.

Gary

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Originally Posted by SarahFan

Chevy are changing all 11 engines ... All teams/drivers to take a 10 position grid penalty

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What the ****?!

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Originally Posted by SarahFan

Chevy are changing all 11 engines ... All teams/drivers to take a 10 position grid penalty

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Isn't engine diversity great?

Think about it. At least a few Lotus powered cars may now start ahead of a Chevy or two. ;)

Dems da rules! Shouldn't be too complicated for the "event" fan to understand. Not that they could care less about or remember what the starting order should be.

Would hardly be fair to change the rules now if Honda spent the extra cash to make sure their engines don't turn to scrap metal prematurely. If the Loti were to pull this move I don't think anybody here would give a s***.

So....If Will Power puts his Chevy on the pole, does he start 11th or will he move up positions from 11th for each other Chevy in the top ten as they take their 10 grid penalty?

Also, Hello to the forum! I'm a long time IndyCar fan that picked up F1 along the way and started following V8 Supercars last year. I try to watch all activity with the 3 series. Found this forum and thought I would sign up.

Looking forward to this race as it was a snoozer last year (as was Barber) but hoping the new cars proves for better racing.
BTW DanicaFan - are you still playing in my fantasy competition or are you going to resort to your first race pick?