Well we've seen the improvements of Indycar Racing. Now with the introduction of Paddleshifting. Well this isn't new since Formula 1 saw the Paddleshifting at the late '80s and into the '90s (I believe), but pretty new to the North American Open-Wheel series actually.

This is the 2nd time I've started another poll because I wanted some results and feedback if the paddleshifters to replace the ole' gearstick. Thank you and gladly appreciated you voted and/or commented.

- - -

My Comments so far:
So far I haven't been impressed with the paddle shifter at all since introduced in the CC and later with the merged series. It removed an element that enables the driver too easy to drive the car with little effort. One of my dislike, removing an element which measure the ability for the driver to handle the car with challenge: Keep Hands on Wheel and The other on the steering wheel and also have to change gears.

Also with paddle shifters, I kinda feel filtered out.

Here as with a gearstick, the car tends to be a huge skill to drive a car of that kind. Can I drive an obvious manual Porsche than a automatic Mercedes-Benz? That was a greater level of challenge and skill over a paddleshift gearbox. I would have wonder if we as a major series are starting to demote driver skill level or not?

I remember Markm55543 mentioned about it last year.

My biggest problem with the paddle shifters is that they break.
We saw numerous cars this year with shifting problems that were not present in the past seasons.

However I do agree that its a great safety feature.

ShovelerLX - 14 July 2008 02:18 PM

However I do agree that its a great safety feature.

But is it really needed?

How many times have drivers crashed as a result of shifting? Only one I can remember is Seabass in his rookie season.

I don't think it has to do with causing a crash as much as eliminating the danger of hitting the linkage during a crash. JMO.

Okay, I've seemed to have answered myself & written on most of the part on Gearsticks. Unless I haven't gotten enough depth.

If you think having a gearshift lever brings that much challenge to racing, then I get the feeling that you can't chew gum and walk at the same time.

NAAC5 - 14 July 2008 04:00 PM

I don't think it has to do with causing a crash as much as eliminating the danger of hitting the linkage during a crash. JMO.

Can it be re-designed to get the linkage out of the way? Or maybe an electronic shifter that doesn't require a linkage?

openwheelguy - 15 July 2008 07:57 AM

NAAC5 - 14 July 2008 04:00 PM

I don't think it has to do with causing a crash as much as eliminating the danger of hitting the linkage during a crash. JMO.

Can it be re-designed to get the linkage out of the way? Or maybe an electronic shifter that doesn't require a linkage?

^.....That's pretty much the definition of the paddle shifter.

If we want new engine tech and new tech chassis designs through a more open rules package, why would anyone want to see old tech stick gearshifts?

CerinoDevoti - 15 July 2008 08:16 AM

openwheelguy - 15 July 2008 07:57 AM

NAAC5 - 14 July 2008 04:00 PM

I don't think it has to do with causing a crash as much as eliminating the danger of hitting the linkage during a crash. JMO.

Can it be re-designed to get the linkage out of the way? Or maybe an electronic shifter that doesn't require a linkage?

^.....That's pretty much the definition of the paddle shifter.

Except it would not be mounted on the steering wheel like a paddle shifter, the driver has to move their hand to shift. They would probably use the current paddle shifter software to make it work.

openwheelguy - 15 July 2008 08:41 AM

CerinoDevoti - 15 July 2008 08:16 AM

openwheelguy - 15 July 2008 07:57 AM

NAAC5 - 14 July 2008 04:00 PM

I don't think it has to do with causing a crash as much as eliminating the danger of hitting the linkage during a crash. JMO.

Can it be re-designed to get the linkage out of the way? Or maybe an electronic shifter that doesn't require a linkage?

^.....That's pretty much the definition of the paddle shifter.

Except it would not be mounted on the steering wheel like a paddle shifter, the driver has to move their hand to shift. They would probably use the current paddle shifter software to make it work.

I thought the paddle shift came in because it's smarter, not harder. Why must the hand be removed from the wheel to change gears, it's not written in stone?

Also, the wheel mount gets it out of the way which is smarter as well.

Paddle shifters have been around in f-1 for quite some time. The Panoz DP01 used them also with very good results. Shifts take place in microseconds without having to lift to shift. For some reason Dallara can't seem to make this work(another reason to get rid of them) Ferrari stated this trend and it was a good idea then and still is now. Any time a driver dosen't have to take his hands off the whell it's agood thing