IndyCar Required a New Driver for Various Reasons, and Setting Track Records Is One of Them.

      Jerry Perez

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      IndyCar is currently experiencing a renaissance in numerous areas, including a diversifying audience, new races, additional teams, and perhaps most significantly, a new television network partnership. One could argue that since Roger Penske took over the series (along with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway) in 2019, it has been gradually reinventing itself. The unveiling of the IR28 last week symbolizes a high point in this transformation.

      Over the weekend, I had the chance to closely examine the 2028 race car and can confirm it significantly diverges from the existing IR18, which itself is an evolution of the DW12 crafted by the Italian chassis manufacturer Dallara. I can also assure you that it looks quite different (and better) than the renderings shared last week. In person, the IR28 is an exceptionally attractive race car and, more crucially, it presents a safer, lighter, more advanced, and customizable platform that will certainly guide IndyCar into a new and improved era.

      Jerry Perez

      Despite the series’ expansion, featuring a lineup of renowned drivers who are gradually becoming household names (both nationally and internationally), as well as high-profile flagship races like the Arlington GP in Texas and the Freedom 250 in Washington D.C., there is a sense that IndyCar is still playing catch-up to other series like NASCAR and Formula 1, occasionally feeling as if it's navigating in the dark.

      The IR28 is expected to significantly address this, providing fresh visuals to attract new TV viewers and enhancing IndyCar's credibility by demonstrating that the leadership is ready to invest in the sport for the long term. I spoke with Mark Sibla, IndyCar’s senior vice president of competition and operations, about the rationale behind needing a new race car and the timing.

      “The primary reason is: we’ve got a fantastic product, but I believe this can enhance it further,” Sibla stated to The Drive.

      “There can be more exhilarating racing, which is a key aspect fans will notice. I also think it offers us a reset on both the chassis and engines, giving us an opportunity to engage with other engine manufacturers to see if we can attract additional participants,” he elaborated.

      Jerry Perez

      Sibla accurately pinpointed the issue. As the consistently insightful Elizabeth Blackstock noted earlier this year, the partnership among IndyCar, Honda, and Chevrolet is likely the strongest it has ever been—considering their commitment to continue investing in each other and their future. However, it's clear that all parties would appreciate the partnership expanding to include a fourth manufacturer.

      Sibla explained that the IR28 will follow a three-year cycle, featuring "visual updates" to improve its appearance and on-track performance “to keep fans engaged.” This strategy also aims to attract potential new engine manufacturers, be it Toyota, Mercedes, or another entity. By 2028, the chassis will race in its original form, and in the following years, the series may allow for certain components to be “unlocked” for team customization. This approach is designed to maintain fairness in racing, ensuring a relatively uniform learning curve for all teams, and to minimize the disparity often highlighted in motorsports.

      Setting new track records is another objective that IndyCar is aiming for. Whether it’s the lap record at Laguna Seca or Long Beach, or a four-lap average qualifying speed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, surpassing historical records will affirm that the IR28 is a legitimate race car capable of continuing the series’ legacy.

      “I think fans also enjoy the challenge of track records,” Sibla added. “They love witnessing such achievements and historical moments—and that’s the purpose of this car. Although aesthetics are subjective, I believe [having a new design] is thrilling and intriguing to fans.”

      Mark Sibla, IndyCar’s senior vice president of competition and operations. Jerry Perez

      Beyond the hope that fans will appreciate the car's appearance, that it will break records, and that it will attract an as-yet-absent third engine manufacturer, there are more concrete reasons for IndyCar's need for a new race car. Safety remains a top priority. The new car integrates all safety features of the DW12 directly into its core structure instead of offering them as "add-ons," as was previously done. Features include underbody air ducts, flaps, and spines to prevent cars from spinning, tumbling, or overturning.

      The cockpit has been significantly enlarged, accommodating a wider range of drivers, offering more padding for safety and comfort, and providing one feature that all competitors will appreciate: improved cooling. There’s even a designated space for a driver’s coolbox (for the cool suit). Among my two favorite attributes are the integrated aeroscreen, which has been fully incorporated into the chassis from the start, and the lighting features (built-in flashing lights on the rear wing and the digital number panel on the side of the car).

      The IR