IndyCar has shown off its first images of the IR-28, the new car for the series set to debut in 2028.
According to the series, the whole car will weigh around 100 pounds less as they look to improve following and get more to wheel-to-wheel racing, particularly on road and street courses following the introduction of the hybrids in the last couple of years. They have also openly stated that track records are expected to be beaten.
Safety enhancements:
Driver cockpit:
- The chassis features wider internal dimensions to accommodate a greater range of driver heights and body types.
- The IR-28 also features enhanced internal airflow and driver cooling for improved comfort and performance.
Side impact protection:
- Decades worth of race and incident evaluations – including chassis additions – have created a chassis that features stronger, more efficient side-structure design providing increased energy absorption in high-impact situations.
Crash dynamics:
- Improved stability with a natural tendency to remain grounded during “nose-up,” sliding or spinning incidents.
First reactions to the IR-28 IndyCar 2028 car
“We are pleased to unveil renderings of the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES chassis that will take our sport into an exciting new era,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “As you can imagine, a project of this magnitude takes an incredible amount of planning, collaboration and execution. I would like to thank all of our partners including Dallara, Chevrolet, Honda, Firestone and Shell, who have worked tirelessly to create a package that will enhance INDYCAR’s already incredible competition and industry-leading growth.
“With initial testing to begin this week, there is still plenty of work to do before 2028, but we are well on our way to showcasing a new era of INDYCAR, which will include enhanced wheel-to-wheel competition, track records, standards in raceability and new benchmarks in safety. We are confident the IR-28 is the ideal package to move INDYCAR forward for our teams, drivers, partners and fans.”
“We are honored that INDYCAR has chosen Dallara once again,” Dallara USA Chief Executive Officer Stefano dePonti said. “After more than a decade of partnership, their continued trust is the greatest recognition of our team’s efforts. This achievement demonstrates the dedication, expertise and collaboration of many individuals who worked tirelessly to create a car that meets today’s needs while looking toward the future. It also reflects Dallara’s ongoing commitment to investing in innovation and education, sharing the knowledge developed in motorsport with academia and beyond.”
