Both Honda and Chevrolet have reported that the three-day test session to shakedown their new 2.4-liter engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway went smoothly.
The test was the first time the newly-developed engines, which are set to be used in IndyCar starting in 2024, saw the track, and there were no major problems or unexpected developments despite cool temperatures providing less than ideal track conditions.
One car was provided by Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing in order to run the prototype Chevy and Honda engines respectively, and a few of the series most respected drivers were chosen to drive the cars around the road course according to a prescribed schedule.
Chevy alone reported that over 600 miles of testing were done across the three days, amounting to significantly more than a typical race distance.
“We’ve had a very successful and productive three days with the new Chevrolet 2.4L IndyCar engine,” said Rob Buckner, Chevrolet engineering program manager for IndyCar.
“This was a big milestone as we have progressed from initial concept of the 2.4L design a few years ago and running extensively on the dyno to installing the engine into a car and now the landmark event of turning our first laps at the Indianapolis road course.
“We are incredibly appreciative of the all the men and women at Chevrolet Performance and our partners at Ilmor for their commitment to a highly successful on-track debut for the 2.4L engine platform.
“We could race this engine tomorrow, which is the highest praise possible for a new engine. Special thanks to Team Penske for quickly building a reliable and safe test car along with Josef Newgarden and Will Power for looking after our prototype engine with first-rate feedback.”
HPD President David Salters was also on-hand for the test, and had equally positive things to say about his team’s ‘flawless’ test session.
The engines used in the test were not the final forms that will be installed in the cars come 2024, as the electric hybrid components are suffering from production delays are and not yet ready for use.
The new larger combustion engine is a significant component of the new formula, however, and this week’s test was a very important milestone for both manufacturers.
Further tests will be scheduled throughout this year and next to make sure all the kinks are ironed out before they are put to use in just under two years.
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