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Lola makes Indycar proposal

Former Champ Car constructor Lola says it has made its pitch for the new generation Indycar to the Indy Racing League board and reckons it satisfies the board's list of requirements for the IndyCar Series' future

Lola is up against existing IndyCar supplier Dallara, fellow ex-Champ Car builder Swift, and the new Delta Wing group in the race to produce the 2012 Indycar chassis.

A statement from the Huntingdon company said its car would offer a choice of two body styles.

"At the heart of Lola's presentation to the IRL Board was a carefully considered modern dual body style approach," said the Lola statement.

"This concept will provide two ready to race aero performance balanced Indycars that could compete even safer side by side and very close behind one another on all circuits. This would provide a unique focus for drivers, teams and fans alike without technical compromise or advantage and in addition would accommodate a dual engine supply situation if required.

"The proposed Lola Indycar for 2012 focuses on several key areas. These are safety, efficiency, engine adaptability, weight reduction (proposed 1380lbs v current 1540lbs), pleasing aesthetics with good sponsor exposure and a concentrated evaluation on significantly improving overtaking."

Lola added that it had decided against a radical approach for its final Indycar proposal.

"As part of the rigorous technical studies by Lola engineers, an entire range of futuristic concept cars were explored," it said.

"While these proved technically interesting and on the wish list of the special projects team, some of these options will be deferred, but retained, as a next iteration option."

Lola boss Martin Birrane hopes the company's strong US racing heritage will work in its favour.

"Lola's history in US racing stretches back to 1965 and includes three Indy 500 wins, Can Am, Sports Car and Champ Car title successes," he said.

"It is upon this framework of heritage combined today with Lola's state of the art technical capabilities that ensures the company continues to be perfectly positioned to enter a new era and add another chapter to this already fascinating and inspiring partnership."

Dallara issued the first images of its new concept proposal last Friday, while Delta Wing's design - which is backed by a group of leading IndyCar team owners - is due to be unveiled later this week.

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