Back to reality
the
most recent news about the Deltawing are intriguing to say the least. Even Michelin pulled out.
Now, I have been following the "Deltawing Adventure" not since its beginning (as an Indy Car project), but since it was announced as the "Garage 56" car for 2012, with Highcroft backing Ben Bowlby's concept and providing a well organized team to field the car and race it.
They were helped by AAR and Don Panoz, then they got hold of the AMR-One tub (no idea how that came about). Then it was Michelin for the tyres, Nissan for the engine and other partners for the one-of-a-kind components such as brakes, suspension, you name it, everything was different and new and had to be purpose-made for this car.
The car proved its worth (at least it was able to turn for the corners
) and what happens next? Don Panoz announces he will race the car in the ALMS, announces a closed version of it, and ... everyone else leaves. AAR and Highcroft don't surprise me, they moved on as I always guessed they would. Nissan I found a bit odd but ok, they have a HUGE program in just about every bit of sports cars racing happening on this planet. But I couldn't understand that Ben Bowlby, the car's creator, wouldn't keep a role in its development. And I surely can't understand Michelin bailing out too.
Don't know what to think about all this really ... but I fear the worst