IndyCar Prepares for 2028 Chassis Transition
As the IndyCar Series gears up for a significant technical evolution, teams will continue using the Dallara DW12 chassis and the 2.2-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 engines for two more seasons before ushering in a new era with the 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrids and an updated chassis.
Mark Sibla, Senior Vice President of Competition and Operations for IndyCar, highlighted the timeline for the new chassis development. “Dallara will have some of the chassis components prototype-ready by late this year, positioning us well for June 2026 when the OEMs will receive prototype cars for testing,” he stated.
Testing will take place on various circuits, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course and 2.5-mile oval. The first round of testing is aligned with summer 2026, depending on engagement from current engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda, or any new entrants. Teams affiliated with these manufacturers will likely be tasked with conducting the tests, facilitating shared insights among all entrants.
Teams will begin receiving the new cars in early 2027. “Spring of ‘27 is when teams start to get their cars, which will allow for rounds of testing in preparation for the 2028 season,” Sibla said, emphasizing the importance of pre-season readiness.
Navigating the complexities of this transition will challenge IndyCar’s management as they create a 2027 calendar that balances farewell races for the DW12 with necessary miles for its successor. Sibla acknowledged, “The key part will be blending the excitement of testing with the financial realities teams face.”
Options for maximizing testing efficiency include coordinated group testing post-season or conducting tests immediately after race events. “We will explore the best strategies to ensure teams can prepare effectively while managing logistical and budgetary constraints,” Sibla concluded.
As the motorsport community anticipates these advancements, careful planning will be essential to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation of IndyCar racing.
