An Engine For Shank

[AFColt]

OK, Twitter users, on the precept that it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness, I'm working on an #engineforshank Twitter hashtag movement right now.

If you're on Twitter, let Honda (@HondaRacing_HPD) and Chevy (@Team Chevy) know you want to see Michael Shank Racing and Jay Howard with one of their engines! Make sure to use the #engineforshank hashtag!

Here's a sample tweet:

Let's get @MichaelShankRac & @JayHoward66 an engine for Indy! Let @HondaRacing_HPD & @TeamChevy hear you! Tag #engineforshank

If you aren't on Twitter and want to help, here are links to Chevy and Honda's contact pages.

Thanks in advance!

[debdrake]

done

[BuddyCarSeries]

@buddycarseries has done it

[AFColt]

Awesome! Thanks, guys!

[RyanRacing]

Done, not a huge fan of Jay Howard but I don't like how all of these teams are being held hostage by the engine manufacturers.

Maybe if this works we can apply it to other indycar related things such as: Walgreens sfh racing 2.0 or to race tracks we would like Indy car to go to.

[AFColt]

Done, not a huge fan of Jay Howard but I don't like how all of these teams are being held hostage by the engine manufacturers.

Maybe if this works we can apply it to other indycar related things such as: Walgreens sfh racing 2.0 or to race tracks we would like Indy car to go to.

Well, it can't hurt. Hopefully this shows them fans are paying attention. And it feels better than doing nothing.

[ZUL8TR]

I used this:

Get @MichaelShankRac @JayHoward66 an engine for Indy! @HondaRacing_HPD & @TeamChevy #engineforshank @RBINDYCAR #IndyCar @IndyCar @IndyCarPR

[Grizzlor]

If he's the 33rd entry, he will get an engine. Might be Lotus though, but tough.

[Oldfan]

If he's the 33rd entry, he will get an engine. Might be Lotus though, but tough.

Why would they downsize and then turn around and add a team that's never run an Indy Car before.

Keith Wiggins said Lotus never planned to run more than 2 teams this year:

http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/Apr...-term-benefits

[OrdinaryRaceFan]

Done.

[debdrake]

I see Howard retweeted my tweet.

[Racing Steward]

As I said before, I think Shank will get an engine. I just dont believe IndyCar or the manufacturers will allow this field to go down to 32 when there is 1 entry left and it has everything in place BUT an engine.

[Lars]

done

[AFColt]

Much thanks, guys. Let's keep it going!

[its_meatball]

I understand how the series has gotten to this point but it doesn't make the idea of having drivers and teams sitting on the sideline because they don't have an engine any easier to take...

[Oben]

Things aren't looking too good for MSR. They apparently have a deadline with one or more of their sponsors and Shank tweeted today that they are out of time. On the Grand Am broadcast he said the deadline for an engine was today. Chevy says they aren't considering additional entries until they return from Sao Paulo. Personally I don't think Shank gets a Honda/Chevy engine until DRR, BHA, and 2nd entries for Rahal and Barnes are resolved.

Looks like he's going to need an extension from his sponsor or his deal is over.

[3Paige14]

They interviewed Michael Shank during the Grand-Am race this afternoon after a great lead-in segment talking about their Rolex 24 team. Mr. Shank seems to me like a good guy who's worked very hard to put this deal together for Indy. Hope one of the manufacturers comes through with an engine deal for them.

[vintage]

So why wouldn't it be enough that he get a lotus? This reminds me of the Sarah Fisher campaign.

[Oben]

So why wouldn't it be enough that he get a lotus? This reminds me of the Sarah Fisher campaign.

- Lotus just dropped two teams, that's why Shank is having this problem. I haven't heard any reps for Lotus say anything about supplying more engines for Indy. Don't just assume that they are available.

- Maybe his sponsors thought they were getting a Chevy/Honda and won't accept a Lotus. If you were spending millions of dollars would you accept a Lotus? I sure as hell wouldn't.

[ZUL8TR]

I see Howard retweeted my tweet.

Mine too. He included a thank you to everyone.

Jay Howard ‏ @JayHoward66
Thx every1! RT @ZUL8TR: Get @MichaelShankRac @JayHoward66 an engine for Indy! @HondaRacing_HPD & @TeamChevy #engineforshank @RBINDYCAR #IndyCar @IndyCar @IndyCarPR

[lotuspoweredbyford]

''I've got nothing against the people at Lotus, but this is a huge risk for me and my life and my team, and I am not willing to do it with zero hope,'' Shank said. ''And there's no hope of getting a top 10 with a Lotus.'

[aaron5572]

''I've got nothing against the people at Lotus, but this is a huge risk for me and my life and my team, and I am not willing to do it with zero hope,'' Shank said. ''And there's no hope of getting a top 10 with a Lotus.'

with that said I can't feel sorry for him if they don't make it. If he thinks a first race team with a relatively inexperienced driver is going to get a top 10 then he's really being unrealistic

[Oben]

Sunday Group twits thusly:

Working on #Indy500 plans, should have update tmrw following call w/all involved parties Cc @michaelshankrace @JayHoward66 @BRANDed

[AFColt]

with that said I can't feel sorry for him if they don't make it. If he thinks a first race team with a relatively inexperienced driver is going to get a top 10 then he's really being unrealistic

Howard looked very good at Indy last year, and definitely could have finished Top 10 if not for circumstances beyond his control.

[lotuspoweredbyford]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/shank-s...7014--irl.html

[Grizzlor]

If Shank really does lose the sponsor if he doesn't hear back in a day or two, then he's out. Frankly, besides DRR and BHA, I think that some of the full time teams may not be completely out of adding cars.

[pitwall3]

Very interesting read. IMHO Shank got shafted.

http://www.racer.com/opinion-the-sor...rticle/238912/

[BizzyV]

He should be running a full season with PT. Sucks, sucks, sucks. Although if they had a Lotus, they'd be screwed anyways.

[Racing Steward]

By the sounds of it, Shank COULD get a Lotus engine but he apparently doesnt want it. Which is totally understandable but if thats the only option, thats the only option. And IndyCar didnt respond to his request to guarantee him an engine because they CANT. Thats between the teams & the manufacturers, Indycar is not involved in those contracts. And I dont think its neccessarily fair to blame Honda or Chevy because they have both exceeded their commitments, Lotus cannot even atleast meet theirs. Now the article brought up a good point, with 2 cars out at Lotus, that frees up two engines, so its only logical that one can be made available to Shank and I dont know if thats the case or not.

As for blame: IF Lotus doesnt have the engine to provide = Lotus's fault. IF Lotus has the engine for Shank = Shank's fault. I understand Shank not wanting a Lotus but at this point thats your only option, take it or leave it. Things dont always line up the way you want them. Thats life. In no way is this IndyCars fault or Hondas or Chevys IMHO.

But if Shank turns down a Lotus engine and the field is 32 cars, ok but dont start pointing fingers at indycar. You had your chance and you passed it up. Your problem.
If Lotus doesnt give one of the two free engines or offer it to Shank, Lotus's fault for not having 33.

Bottom line it will either be Lotus's fault or Shanks fault we dont have 33, we'll see what happens. JMO.

[Glenn]

I'm not impressed with Shank so far. Sure he went out and got a rolling chassis, but he did not have the money lined up to run a complete season. Then he made a big deal of not getting the Team Money. In my opinion he was being naive thinking he was going to get the Team Money and I was not impressed that he basically tried to hold Indycar hostage by claiming he couldn't run the season without their money. I really don't think the Team Money would have gotten them enough to run the complete season. Now he's telling anyone that will listen (Speed TV) that he can't get an engine and that he doesn't want a Lotus and that Indycar hasn't gotten back to him. The whole thing is just very unprofessional.