The
IZOD IndyCar Series has hired NZR Consulting’s Tony Cotman as a
consultant to serve as project manager for the development of its 2012
technical program.
Cotman will be responsible for leading the 2012 car project, including
writing technical regulations for both engine and chassis, coordinating
with suppliers and manufacturers and communicating with teams. He will
work with the IZOD IndyCar Series’ technical and safety staff as well
as outside engine and aerodynamic experts during the process.
"Now that we have unveiled our 2012 car strategy, we need to move
swiftly to complete the rules package as we engage potential
manufacturers and prepare our teams for the transition," said Randy
Bernard, CEO, IZOD IndyCar Series. "The timing of completing these
rules is critical to the development process. By bringing Tony on board
to focus solely on the 2012 car, we can let Brian Barnhart and the
competition staff focus on completing the current race season while
preparing for next year."
Cotman served as vice president of operations and race director for the
Champ Car World Series from 2005-07, during which he oversaw the
development and implementation of the series’ new cost-effective
chassis. He directed the Atlantic Series chassis and engine programs
from prototype to implementation.
Cotman also was a member of the ICONIC Advisory Committee, which
researched and recommended the future car and engine strategy to the
IZOD IndyCar Series.
"I understand how important developing the right rules are in a timely
manner for this process," said Cotman. "Introduction of the new car and
engine are not far off, and we have a lot of work to do. Having a
strong team and committed chassis and engine partners will make my
tasks that much easier. I look forward to developing and implementing
rules that will provide opportunities for new manufacturer involvement
and increased competition in the 2012 season."
The engine strategy, which will require the IZOD IndyCar Series to
adopt rules that can accommodate various engine architectures, was
announced June 2. It was followed July 14 by the unveiling of the
chassis strategy, which features a Dallara Automobili-built IndyCar
Safety Cell as the rolling chassis with aerodynamic body packages open
to development within the rules by potential suppliers.
"Tony is the right guy for the job," added Barnhart. "In addition to
his experience with developing the rules for the introduction of the
Panoz chassis in Champ Car, Tony has been a part of the ICONIC Advisory
Committee so he has an in-depth knowledge with the car and engine
strategy we have set for 2012. Additionally, his experience on both the
team and sanctioning body side bring a unique perspective to this
process."
A two-time Indianapolis 500-winning team member, Cotman served as team
manager for Team Green in CART in 1998, winning 11 races in three
years. In 2001, he was promoted to vice president of racing operations,
guiding a three-car program for Team Green and eventually a four-car
program when the team became Andretti Green Racing and moved to the
IZOD IndyCar Series.
He served as the Indy Racing League’s vice president of competition
until 2009 before leaving to form NZR Consulting, focusing on race
circuit design, safety and management. He continues to serve as a
member of the FIA circuits commission and is race director for
Firestone Indy Lights.
