IndyCar introduced a new version of its Aeroscreen safety device a couple weeks ago at Long Beach, with the new spec parts bringing numerous revisions to the original 2020 design.
The underlying halo structure was updated during the latest offseason to reduce weight, and the new polycarbonate screen and carbon fiber frame was fitted to the cars starting at the second race of the season.
In addition to weighing less, a major feature of the new Aeroscreen design was the addition of more vents to bring air into the cockpit to cool drivers.
Long vents were added across the top of the wind screen and the side air inlets were modified slightly, but the changes have not worked as intended.
After a couple race weekends, divers have universally reported that the front air intakes do not seem to provide any benefit, with some even consciously reaching their hands up to feel for airflow while at speed and finding none.
“During the race in Long Beach, I held my hand up,” said Graham Rahal during the race weekend at Barber. “I wasn’t overheating, I was just more curious on the front straight.
“I held my hand up, and couldn’t feel any air coming through the vents, which was weird.
“We’re always adapting. When this thing first came out, there were a lot of people upset. Now we all go racing, and you don’t hear us commenting about it much anymore, do you? Hopefully it can get better. It may be a little warmer right now than prior.”
The bigger issue that came to light is related to the side intakes, which route air through a hose that is hooked directly to the driver’s helmet.
This forced air is routed through little holes in the top and sides of drivers’ helmets and provides some relief from the stagnant air inside the cockpit.
The new side intakes, although only slightly different from the original design, are not pushing nearly as much air through the hose, making the already uncomfortable conditions worse than before.
Drivers immediately reported their on-track findings to IndyCar’s inspection and technical teams, who are working to find small modifications that can at least bring back the level of airflow that was present for the past four seasons.
“I think the problem is it’s actually reduced the air going into your helmet from that pipe,” said Will Power, talking about the hose connected to his helmet.
“I think it’s because the air is going in those eyebrow sort of slots at the top, but you’re not getting much from that. I’d much rather have them closed off to increase the air in my helmet.
“Like, you’re almost breathing your own air in. It’s brutal. It’s like your head is where your body gets rid of the heat. As long as I got air on my head, I’m fine.”
The new Aeroscreen is not currently planned to be used at the upcoming Indy 500, as the 230+ MPH speeds run on the superspeedway have typically allowed enough airflow to drivers.
Although the irony of the situation is that the previous-spec Aeroscreen, with fewer air vents built in, may actually provide more relief anyway given the recent feedback.
The remainder of the season will see the return of the new design on the road and street courses, likely with small modifications to help drivers through the summer racing season.
