Dallara joins the fight against coronavirus
Dallara’s Speedway, Indiana factory has begun preparing materials that will be used for face masks and gowns as the U.S. continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dallara’s U.S. facility, which was opened in 2012, is using its cutting tables normally reserved to cut fiber cloth for racecars to prepare materials that will be used for face masks and gowns.
The materials are being delivered to the factory from an outside vendor and the Dallara staff cuts them for masks and gowns as needed, whereupon Indianapolis-based StitchWorks picks up the items twice a day and sews the material before delivering the finished product to hospitals.
StitchWorks houses industrial sewing machines and is joining forces with several groups in the Million Mask Challenge, which brings people together to create masks for those in the healthcare industry.
Stefano dePonti, CEO and general manager of Dallara USA, told IndyCar.com: “We need to be very active in everything we can to help, first of all, the medical cause and doctors, nurses and everyone involved, to fight this battle. As soon as this virus is defeated, the better for everybody.
“So, if we cannot properly build racecar parts, let’s do something that can help the community and move it forward with the hope that this will help many people that, right now, are suffering.”
DePonti said that Dallara’s corporate headquarters in Italy – a country that has been dreadfully struck by the coronavirus pandemic – is making ventilator parts and working with its aerodynamics team to test better ways to create oxygen flow.
He said he was inspired by that work, and he hopes that if their research is successful, he could implement the same work and technology in the Speedway factory.
Gossage: No interest in Texas IndyCar race without fans
Is virtual racing the motorsport fan’s panacea in a pandemic?
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and series sophomore Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How Marcus Ericsson finally unlocked his potential in IndyCar
Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a breakout year in the IndyCar Series in 2021, winning twice and finishing sixth in points with Chip Ganassi Racing. How did he finally unlock the potential that was masked by five years of toil in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber/Alfa Romeo?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing win
Saturday, Oct. 16th, marks the 10th anniversary Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500.
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Jack Harvey’s move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate, but their combined strength could prove golden, says David Malsher-Lopez.
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong résumé and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear. By David Malsher-Lopez.
2021 IndyCar title is just the start for Ganassi's newest star
Alex Palou has captured Chip Ganassi Racing's 14th IndyCar drivers' championship, and in truly stellar manner. David Malsher-Lopez explains what made the Palou-Ganassi combo so potent so soon.
Why Grosjean's oval commitment shows he's serious about IndyCar
One of motorsport’s worst-kept secrets now out in the open, and Romain Grosjean has been confirmed as an Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver in 2022. It marks a remarkable turnaround after the abrupt end to his Formula 1 career, and is a firm indication of his commitment to challenge for the IndyCar Series title
IndyCar’s longest silly-season is still at fever pitch
The 2021 IndyCar silly season is one of the silliest of all, but it’s satisfying to see so many talented drivers in play – including Callum Ilott. David Malsher-Lopez reports.