Trackside is tonight (Thursday July 15) from 7-9 eastern.  Emails are welcome at kevin@1070TheFan.com.

The plan for the next generation IZOD IndyCar has been announced and as with most ideas, it is receiving mixed reviews.  I've not yet looked at reaction on Track Forum and other message boards, but I've been told there is a significant amount of negativity surrounding the announcement.

There was a great deal of hype, anticipation and build-up to this announcement which has been discussed for at least two years.  Many were hoping and expecting to see exactly what the next generation IndyCar would look like and instead were given a concept without guarantees.  Many were hoping not only to see the next car, but wanted to see the next cars with open competition among chassis makers and engine manufacturers.

I mentioned several weeks ago on Trackside that the reaction would not be good if the announcement was "Dallara-Honda" and to some at first glance, that may be what they've heard, because they are the only confirmed players.  Uncertainty also remains because there is no guarantee that all of the cars won't be Dallara-Honda.

Here is why I am excited about the next IndyCar:  It provides a great deal of possibility and at least the chance at open competition, along with marketing opportunities.  I too would have been a bit disappointed if the announcement was a strict Dallara-Honda combination, but as recently as a few months ago that was what I expected and I would have understood the reasoning.

This "concept" is a compromise.  The Delta Wing project also deserves a great deal of credit for encouraging a creative idea.  IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard and the ICONIC committee have listened to fans.  They understand the core fan base prefers more open competition and a variety of car designs and engine manufacturers.  Competing manufacturers can also help market IndyCar.  But, more competition and variety adds to more expense.

IndyCar has achieved a primary goal of bringing down the cost of the car while allowing for the possibility of a variety of designs.  Some have been critical because there are no guaranteed players in designing the aero kits (the body) and they don't yet have an engine manufacturer to compete with Honda.  But, isn't this what many have asking for?  Just lay out the rules and invite all comers.

I also expect they have several strong leads, but waiting to get more on board would have put the 2012 debut in doubt.  The timing may be too tight for much if any competition for 2012, but 2013 is very doable and waiting much longer would have made it impossible for Dallara to build and test the safety cell (the core of the car) and their bodywork.

I understand this is not as open as we have seen in IndyCar in the past, but it's a start.  The plan appears to provide a great deal of possibility while still maintaining (and hopefully increasing) safety standards and decreasing costs.

Just as important are the possibilities from a business and marketing standpoint.  It would seem to be much less of an investment for major car companies or even aerospace companies to get involved.  They now have options of being an engine supplier or designing the aero kit (or teaming with a smaller company like Ashmore Design) and branding the car for their own marketing purposes.  Bruce Ashmore (BAT Engineering, one of the five candidates for the next generation car) told me he is very interested in either designing his own aero kit or teaming with a major company.  I also noticed a rep from Swift lingering and talking with other industry insiders long after the press conference.

There are many questions to be answered, details to be addressed and companies convinced to participate and help grow IndyCar.  It's similar to selecting a player in the NBA or NFL draft -- there is a great deal of potential, but we ultimately won't be able to make a final determination for a couple of years.  Ultimately, this announcement is not a deal changer but it appears to be a very strong step in the right direction.