Formula One or IZOD IndyCar

       Long Beach, California - Exciting, fun to watch, and reminiscent  of the early days of racing (Ferrari); Formula One and IZOD IndyCars may look the same but the two racing series have very distinct differences that viewers of the two different types of races might love to know. Formula is the fastest, most elite, richest, and most popular of the two series.  However, from the start the races are different. 
     Formula One cars line up in two rows and start their race from a complete stop.  Five red lights go on, one second apart (sometimes known as the starting pole or a Christmas tree)  and when the fifth light goes on it activates the car's starter and the race begins.  IZOD Indy- Cars start while moving behind a safety car, commonly known as a pace car.  The pace car is traveling at 85 mph as it leads the cars around the track to the starting line.  IndyCars race on ovals and are American based.  While Formula One uses proper tracks with curves and straight ways.  Formula one may have originated in Italy, but now is an international race.  IZOD IndyCars allow turbocharging and Formula One cars do not.  IZOD IndyCars are cleaner aerodynamically.  Aerodynamics are the air that passes over the car as the car moves forward. Formula One cars tend to limit the effects of ground effect IZOD IndyCar does not.  Ground effect is the branch of aerodynamics of the car that creates down force.  Down force equals grip and grip makes the car hug curves while sticking to the track during other acceleration.  This is because IZOD IndyCars need that grip to avoid hitting the wall as they speed around banked ovals.  Slowing the cars down around those curves is different too.  Formula One cars use lighter carbon fiber brakes only, while IZOD IndyCars might use carbon fiber on some super speedways they race at, while using steel brakes (similar to the ones we have on our cars) on some of the slower oval tracks they visit during the racing season.  Lastly, Formula One cars (also known as F-1 cars) use gasoline mixed specifically for racing and the fuel must last the entire race.  IZOD IndyCars use ethanol and are allowed to refuel during the race.  See also, www.izod.com.