2014 IndyCar predictions bakeoff (Update)
UPDATE R&T: What about that new Honda twin-turbo setup? Is it nastier than last year's HPD motor set?
Pagenaud: Well Sonoma is the lowest-grip track we go to, so it's always difficult to get around the corners without a loss of traction. But, for sure, the Honda engine has more power available. It seems like it's faster; it seems like there's more loss of traction (wheelspin due to huge Honda power)
In other words, Andretti Autosport made the right choice switching to Honda this year. Now with two turbos instead of one, Honda is likely the engine of choice for 2014. Cipolloni's predictions are looking good right now.
02/18/14 AutoRacing1.com President Mark Cipolloni takes on Brian Carroccio in making predictions for the 2014 IndyCar season.
| 2014 Predictions | Brian Carroccio | Mark Cipolloni |
| Champion | Will Power-The three-time runner-up found his form at the end of 2013. He’ll parlay that momentum into his first championship in 2014. | Ryan Hunter-Reay- The former champ now has a Honda engine with not one, but two turbos. Honda won the title last year with a single turbo, they may dominate with two. |
| Rookie of the Year | Carlos Munoz-Munoz is with the best team of any rookie | Carlos Munoz is the most talented rookie |
| Manufacturer Champion | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Best Offseason Move | KV Signing Bourdais | Andretti switching to Honda engines at the right time |
| Event You’re Most Looking Forward to | GP of Indy | Long Beach, there is nothing else like it and now it has proper start – a standing start that requires talent not a ridiculously unfair rolling start where the back of the grid is 1/3 lap behind at the start |
| Driver Most Likely to Score First Career Win | Josef Newgarden | Carlos Munoz |
| Bold Prediction | Charlie Kimball will be the 2nd best Chip Ganassi Racing driver | Montoya, his reflexes dulled from years of ‘lazy’ racing in NASCAR, will struggle to beat teammate Will Power |
| Breakout Performer (Call it the James Hinchcliffe Award) | Newgarden | Carlos Munoz |
| Indy 500 Winner | Marco Andretti | Ryan Hunter-Reay |
| Indy 500 Pole-Sitter | James Hinchcliffe | Carlos Munoz – as a rookie he qualified 2nd. He's ready to move up one spot |
| Driver You’re Most Disappointed Doesn’t have a ride | Conor Daly | Conor Daly |