INDYCAR UNVEIL NEW CAR

Indycar has released computer generated images of the universal aerodynamic bodywork kit that will be used by all teams in the 2018 Indycar Series.

“While this remains a work in progress, we are encouraged with where the development of the 2018 car stands,” said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations. “The look of the car is bold, the performance data from simulations is meeting targeted goals and safety enhancements built into the design will be substantial.”

Frye also added that Indycar was on target to test in July, with teams still able to choose between a Chevrolet or Honda powerplant. The universal kit will cover a Dallara IR-12 chassis, that Indycar has used since 2012, while the new kit will come in two configurations: one for superspeedways and the other for street courses, road circuits and short ovals.

A manufacturer and supplier for the kit has not been announced, but as explained by Tino Belli, INDYCAR director of aerodynamic development, the kit is designed to improve functionality and to create downforce from underneath rather than from the top, increasing passing opportunities.

“We’ve been working on the aerodynamics to suit the look, rather than the other way around,” Belli said.

“We’re working on creating more of the downforce from the underwing,” Belli said. “The hole in the floor (of the undertray on this year’s car) will be sealed for the road courses and short ovals, but will still be open for the superspeedways.”

Belli also said that the car meets Indycar’s aerodynamic targets and features an increased emphasis on safety with side impact structures in the side pods and repositioned radiators to assist in reducing the severity of side impacts by crushing on impact.

These are not the only changes as the new kit features a lower engine cover, the turbocharger inlets have been moved to the inside of the radiator ducts, the front and rear wing are smaller, the centreline wicker from the nose to the cockpit is tapered and the fins on sidepods of the current car will be either removed or greatly reduced on the new bodywork.

There is plenty of development to go but Belli feels the kit has met ’97 per cent’ of the goals set out by the design and development team.