New IndyCar delayed to 2028

A championship spokesperson confirmed to Racer.com that Doug Boles, president of theIndyCar, began to notify the various stables of the change of plan with regard to the new car. Initially scheduled to be put on track for the 2027 season, it will therefore be necessary to wait another year before the Dallara DW12s are scrapped. Dallara, which will supply the new chassis, is apparently completely on schedule, but it is the engine regulations that are forcing IndyCar to delay the arrival of this new single-seater.

According to Honda and Chevrolet, the two engine manufacturers currently involved, it would take at least 18 months between the design phase and the supply of around fifty engines for the season. This makes it impossible to be ready in time for the start of the 2027 season, as initially planned. The championship also wants to continue attracting what has been its stumbling block since 2013: a third engine manufacturer.

Indeed, only Lotus had attempted the adventure in 2012 with losses and crashes, before letting Honda and Chevrolet continue the following year. The Japanese engine manufacturer could possibly throw in the towel at the end of the 2026 season, it is therefore crucial to succeed in establishing regulations concerning power units sufficiently attractive to convince HRC to stay. From 2006 to 2011, Honda had in a way saved IndyCar by becoming the sole engine supplier of the championship, following the defections of Chevrolet and Toyota.

By the end of 2027, the current chassis, the Dallara DW12, will be 15 years old when it should finally enjoy a well-deserved retirement. While the aerodynamic kits have evolved year after year, the survival cell and nose of the single-seaters have not changed since 2012. Dan Wheldon developed this new chassis, which therefore took his initials in tribute following his death in October 2011 during the season finale in Las Vegas.

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