The IZOD IndyCar Series team owners have elected Luczo Dragon/De Ferran Racing co-owner Gil de Ferran as their representative on the ICONIC advisory committee that will recommend a chassis and engine package to the Indy Racing League for the 2012 season. The former Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time CART champion joined Jay Penske and Steve Luczo on the LDR ownership group during the off-season and also serves as the team’s managing partner and president.
The rest of the ICONIC committee — which is chaired by retired Air Force Gen. William R. Looney III and will also feature an IRL representative, engine expert, marketer/promoter, and racing engineer — will be announced next week. According to the league’s web site, a final recommendation from ICONIC is expected by July 1.
My first reaction is that De Ferran is a good choice. His stellar driving career enables him to give a second perspective in addition to that of being an owner, which he has been in both IndyCar and the American Le Mans Series. You’ll also remember that he was also the sporting director for a few years with Honda’s Formula One team, so that experience in multiple series could be an asset to the committee as it tries to forge a plan to give to Randy Bernard and the league.
I think the owners have made a wise decision. But now, the focus shifts to Bernard and his decisions on who will make up the rest of the board. Let’s see who he’ll choose.
