IndyCar – The 2018 “super-speedway” universal aerodynamic kit presented

After the 3D renderings presented earlier in the year, it's time for the real models which will be tested tomorrow and potentially Wednesday on the Indianapolis oval, in the hands of Juan Pablo Montoya and Oriol Servia.

The IndyCar Series were indeed presented this Monday evening the first photos of the 2018 universal aerodynamic kit, in the super-speedway version. This highlights a largely revised design compared to current single-seaters and kits developed by Honda and Chevrolet.

Inspired by the look of the 90s, the 2018 kit offers a lowered engine cover and a lower rear wing in the short oval / road and urban circuit version. The fins as a whole have been reduced and lowered. The wheel guards have also been removed at the rear.

The pilots had wanted more aerodynamic support coming from under the car, and their wishes seem to have been granted since 66% of the downforce generated will come from this area of ​​the car in short oval configuration / road and urban circuits. An increase of 19% compared to the current generation. The weight distribution has been modified and moved forward to improve handling.

In fact, in terms of the performance of this new kit, the top speeds of future single-seaters, still powered by Honda or Chevrolet 6-liter twin-turbo V2,2 units, should be similar to Indianapolis.

Safety forward

The IndyCar Series, however, has in no way sacrificed the safety of the single-seaters. Notable improvements have been made in terms of resistance to side impacts with revised and reinforced pontoons. The structure offers increased width at the riders' hips.

The upper part of the sidepods has been designed to exceed FIA side impact tests. The air inlets, side parts and bottom have been constructed of carbon/dyneema hybrid fibers for better protection against penetration. The oil and water radiators have been moved forward.

« Simulations show that the new car meets the IndyCar Series criteria for not taking off after rotating 90, 135 or 180 degrees. » indicates the press release. Note that the design has been studied to allow the installation of cockpit protection “when it is developed. »

« The process started a year ago in April, and we took ideas from our fans, drivers, teams, manufacturers, partners... everyone shared, admits Jay Frye, president of the IndyCar Series. There is a historical element to this design, and it is accompanied by a very advanced look and all the latest components. Although the design looks enticing on paper, it looks even better in real life. We couldn't be happier to put this car on the track. »

Montoya and Servia, on behalf of Team Penske -Chevrolet and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports – Honda, teams requisitioned by the championship, will compete in Indianapolis before another session at Mid-Ohio on August 1 on a road course, then on August 10 in Iowa (short oval), and September 26 at Sebring, Florida for a street racing simulation and cooling and brake tests. The first kits will be delivered to the teams in November.

>>>>> Photos 2018 “super-speedway” aerodynamic kit <<<<