Second of three parts looking at INDYCAR's relation to the Winter Olympics
Following the 2010 Winter Olympics, the U.S. Bobsled team extensively examined areas where it could improve its times in the two-man competitions. A starting point was the sleds.
Much like IndyCar racing, technology drives the bobsleds and its two-man sled was older than some of the athletes competing in the Vancouver Games. So the team turned to BMW DesignWorks USA to supply a new sled – wrapped in carbon fiber like an IndyCar Series car -- and later to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for technical advice. BMW of North America is the official mobility partner of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Click it: IndyCar Series engineer seeks to strike gold with bobsled team
The two-man team enters the Sochi Games seeking its first gold medal in 78 years. In testing, the new sled posted impressive times, though driver Steven Holcomb questioned whether the steering could be improved. The driver controls the sled with his fingers, using rings that are attached to a steering mechanism by ropes.
While visiting the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing shop in Hilliard, Ohio, technical director Jay O’Connell examined the mechanism.
“Jay suggested various changes to the geometry of the steering and we manufactured the pieces in the shop and the guys absolutely loved it,” team co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “The first race they dominated. It makes you feel good that you contributed to the success of the program.”
Actually, Rahal has been a major contributor since August 2012, when he was named chairman of the U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Foundation.
“My major responsibility as chairman of the foundation, which is different from the actual team, is to create the funding opportunities so the program continues to have financial stability and not just going year to year looking for sponsorship,” he said of the 501c3 charity. “It’s meant to create a financial base, and that means me contacting companies and individuals to contribute. We’ve had some good response and raise some significant sums, but that’s a never-ending process.
“It’s a thrill for me, and I’m a huge fan and supporter of the Olympic ideal and spirit, especially Americans competing against the best the world has to offer. Hopefully, we’ll bring that gold home again.”
It’s a good bet. Holcomb and his push crew have had a successful World Cup season heading to Sochi, winning nine of 16 four-man and two-man races. On Jan. 27, Holcomb won the World Cup overall title in two-man and finished second in the four-man standings. He’s seeking to become the first American pilot since Bill Riske in 1928 and ’32 to win consecutive gold medals in the four-man competition.
The bobsled competition begins Feb. 16 at the Sanki Sliding Center, with medal events on Feb. 17 (two-man), Feb. 19 (women’s) and Feb. 23 (four-man). Much of the action will be televised on NBCSN, the official cable partner of the IndyCar Series.
“We’re right where we want to be going into Sochi,” he said.
