Photo : - DeltaWing

After it's undeserved misfortune at the '24 Heures du Mans', the DeltaWing could reappear on American oval circuits.

In February 2010 in Chicago, Ben Bowlby (designer) and Chip Ganassi (team boss) shocked conservative minds in announcing  the replacement of the conventional IndyCar with a curious "Batmobile" (photo above).

Ousted from invitations in favour of the Dallara DW 12, the DeltaWing has since proven the effectiveness of its unusual shape in endurance racing. Despite the retirement resulting from a collision (see video), it convinced the public at Le Mans, although not conforming to standard ACO regulations, it brilliantly occupied the 56th pit (restricted to new technologies).

The privilege of using the 56th pit can not be repeated next year (56th Pit 2013 for GreenGT), so the team responsible for the project is now trying to turn to other disciplines to advance the programme. In 2014, the current IndyLights car (junior series of IndyCar) will be replaced, and DeltaWing could be in the frame ... But before that, it must be selected from a variety of proposals, including those of Swift, Mugen, and Mygale Dallara. The final selection will be made public in September.

If this application were to fail, the DeltaWing could still find refuge in Super Formula (currently Formula Nippon) where cars will also be replaced in 2014.

Julien Hergault

Photo 1 : Before being fitted with headlights, the DeltaWing was destined for ovals.

Photos 2, 3 and 4 : CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS (LE MANS, FRANCE), 24 HEURES DU MANS, JUNE 2012. Misfortune ended hopes for the Nissan DeltaWing at the '24 Heures du Mans'.