One of the common complaints from drivers in IndyCar, and most modern open wheel racing series, is that the cars are too heavy and no longer have the agility that cars from the past had.
When the current DW-12 chassis was introduced in 2012, it weighed approximately 1600 pounds without the driver and fuel. That has increased over the years to be 1700 pounds this season for road and street courses.
Drivers have already been vocal about the fact that the cars are not as nimble as they used to be. The looming hybrid engine formula, which has been delayed and is now set to be introduced in 2024, will push that weight limit even higher.
In an interview released by the series, IndyCar President Jay Frye related that the concern is on his mind as well, but the immediate focus is on other areas to maintain a competitive and exciting racing product.
“In 2024, you’ll see some differences in the car,” said Frye. “With the new engine, there are going to be different components that are added, which will impact the look of the car. It’s going to come out of the box with over 100 more horsepower, and we will have achieved our goal of more horsepower and less downforce.
“We are also working hard to reduce the overall weight of the car. Interesting fact – at the start of a race, an IndyCar Series car and an F1 car weigh virtually the same. Fuel loads and IndyCar pitting and F1 not pitting for fuel change the dynamic throughout the course of a race.
“The highest-contributing factor to an IndyCar Series car’s weight gain has been safety components. An IndyCar Series car has to withstand incredible impacts with 240+ mph speeds at Indianapolis.
“The Aeroscreen and driver side-impact device have contributed the most to the weight gain, but we feel the benefits far exceed the negatives.
“The new hybrid system will also create hurdles with weight, but with changes to the car and engine, it also offers opportunities to reduce overall weight, and we will continue to work hard on that.”
Some of the future innovations that can help with weight include a planned lightening of the Aeroscreen safety device that will coincide with the new engine formula in 2024.
But large gains in bringing down the total weight will only come through a new chassis, which is still being developed jointly between IndyCar and Dallara.
There is no timeline for a new chassis introduction at this point, but it is guaranteed to be at least a few years away.
