Early Christmas present: Dallara cuts parts prices for IRL teams

With lean economic times staring at the IndyCar Series, chassis manufacturer Dallara has decided to help out the teams by offering reduced prices on parts for the 2009 season.

The reductions, which will range from eight to 20 percent, is expected to help save an average of 11 percent per squad compared to last season. IndyCar.com reports that the new prices will come out on Jan. 10, while The Indianapolis Star is detailing which parts will have a smaller cost.

No doubt, a solid gesture on the part of the Italian car-maker and one that’s much appreciated. Check out the quote at the bottom of the IndyCar.com piece from IRL racing operations boss Brian Barnhart. I can’t help but interpret that as a nudge to the other “big guys,” Firestone and Honda.

We’ll see if they and other IRL suppliers will follow Dallara’s lead.