In Pursuit Of Speed
By Al Harrington

©1996 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.

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For quite some time now race fans have known that the 80th Indy 500 would be a memorable one. The main reason is that the Indy Racing League (IRL) was formed this year and 25 out of the 33 starting positions were guaranteed to those in the IRL.

Unfortunately, there is now another reason it will be remembered.

On Friday, May 17th pole sitter Scott Brayton hit the wall in practice, bringing his life of 37 years to and end. We all know that racing is dangerous, but some of us can't help but ask, "Why?"

Why did Scott crash? The official report states that the right rear tire blew. Upon closer look of the accident, smoke and fluid can also be seen coming out near the engine (middle rear of the car). Whatever the reason, the car failed while going over 230 mph. Scott had very little, if any, time to react.

Still, some of us ask, "Why did this happen?"

This has not been a "normal" Indy 500. In the past drivers and teams busted their butts trying to get into the field. The drama and excitement of seeing who could actually make it, or lose it, was incredible. That is all but gone this year. Since the IRL cars only have to qualify above 220 mph, the "make it or break it" drama of the past just wasn't there.

Soon the biggest stories of the 80th Indy 500 became that of speed. The fight wasn't to try to get into the race, but to set the track records.

One of the biggest controversies of this year's Indy 500 was that of boost and pop-off valves. Nobody seems to want to talk about the boost levels these cars are running. The Ford engines (and 1 Mercedes) are assumed to be running 45" of boost, while the Buicks are either running 50", 55" or even 60".

After Arie's record setting qualifying run, Menard team manager Curry claimed that Arie couldn't be running that fast with normal boost. After Arie finished qualifying he said in his interview, "..and that was with 5" less boost!"

The pop-off valve controversy was brought to light by John Della Penna. After he suggested that USAC have a pop-off valve lottery (which was turned down by USAC) Hearn's qualification run was suddenly 8 mph slower than any of his practice times. Della Penna didn't make a big stink after that, but choose to let the times speak for itself.

It was rumored that Tony George really wanted to set records this year at Indy to give his IRL some credibility. The question of boost soon popped up after laps of just under 240 mph started to show up.

Not long ago, Tony George was expressing his concern that the cars were going too fast at Indy. Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) also felt the cars were going too fast which is why they reduced the boost at MIS last year (to 40") and made chassis changes to reduce downforce.

With a repaved IMS (minus rumble strips) and the tire development, it became obvious that the cars would be flying at Indy. Still, Tony George did not discuss slowing the cars down for safety.

Should cars be going close to 240 mph at Indy? Should Indy cars be going 240 mph anywhere? Many of the teams seemed to think so as they kept pushing it to the limit, closer and closer to that 240 mph barrier.

On Friday, May 17, I caught the tail end of an interview with Menard where Jerry Punch said, "Looks like Menard wants that track record" (with Menard standing in the background smiling). I started thinking, "wouldn't it be ironic that, with all the rookies this year, one of the veterans ends up in a serious accident at Indy all in pursuit of speed?"

It wasn't long after I had that thought that Brayton crashed and lost his life.

Sure it can be said that Brayton was just shaking down the "mule" car for Menard. Arie was doing the same thing that day. But it's just a bit too much of a coincidence that this all happened after it was reported that Menard wanted the track record.

When you think about it, Menard doesn't have a whole heck of a lot to show for all his time and money he's invested into his cars and engines. A track record, one that will most likely stand for years if the IRL continues, would be the feather in Menard's cap.

Was it really worth it? Why couldn't Menard be happy with four cars in the field, two of them being on the front row!?!

I can't criticize Brayton for his accident. Racers are racers and they will always try to go faster. I do challenge Tony George and John Menard though.

First off, Tony should of stuck to what he (claimed to be) worried about a year ago that the cars were going too fast. He should of limited the boost on the cars, like CART has done at MIS, to keep the speeds down. Menard should not of been so concerned about getting the track record. Arie himself said it really wasn't that big of a deal. Still, Menard felt it was important enough to send his drivers out to get that perfect setup to allow someone to step in and set the record.

This is not what Indy is all about. In a year where Tony George was trying to preserve traditions, he has trashed almost all of them. And in the meantime, one of the most experienced Indy 500 driver has lost his life, leaving his wife and 2 year-old daughter left wondering, "Why?"

Tony George and John Menard should do the respectable thing this year to honor Brayton. Tony should leave the pole position empty, and Menard should leave Scott's car empty.

Of course neither of these things will happen. All the drivers will be shifted up, and a washed up 54 year-old driver will fill Scott's seat in the 33rd position.

The 80th Indy 500 will forever leave a sour taste in my mouth.

I am very saddened by the death of Scott Brayton and truly hope he rests in peace.