Is the IRLs technology inferior?
Like the previous question, there are two possible answers. The first is “maybe, but so what?”. For better or for worse (quite possibly for worse, but there appears to be no alternative at this time), the day when the most advanced technology and hence the highest speeds made for the best racing are, at least for the moment, over. Today, higher technology almost inevitably means much higher costs, which reduces opportunities. And speeds have had to be controlled for safety; all major racing series have had rule restrictions for speed control in place since the early ’70s, and anyway, it is doubtful that the average fan perceives a difference in the entertainment value of the racing if the lap speeds are 220 MPH rather than 240. The IRL’s level of technology is still fairly high; carbon fiber monocoque construction and 800+ horsepower engines aren’t found in many racing series. The second answer is: specifically what technology is the IRL missing out on? It’s not like either series has
