IndyCar Adjusts Technical Specifications Ahead of Iowa Doubleheader
As IndyCar prepares for its doubleheader weekend at Iowa Speedway, significant changes have been made to the technical specifications of the Dallara DW12 chassis. The series aims to enhance competition and promote overtaking opportunities after last year’s races were criticized for lacking excitement.
The upcoming doubleheader features twin 275-lap races on Saturday and Sunday, utilizing revisions based on a recent test at the newly repaved lower lane of the 0.875-mile oval. Last year’s event saw drivers confined to a single lane, prompting officials to modify the aerodynamic package to facilitate improved racing dynamics.
Key adjustments include the repositioning of downforce generation from barge boards and strakes—permitted in the 2024 doubleheader—to a heavier reliance on front and rear wings. The aerodynamic changes, alongside a trim to the rear wing in Slot 4, reduce overall downforce by approximately 275 pounds, which the series hopes will allow trailing cars to better challenge leaders by navigating through "dirty air."
To mitigate risks of mechanical failure with the increased weight of hybrid configurations, teams will operate under the lowest turbocharger boost setting—1.3 bar (18.85 psi)—previously used during the Indianapolis 500.
Notably, Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen suffered a significant crash during the recent test attributed to a tire failure. In response, a more durable right-front tire will be employed for the races, maintaining the same compound as utilized during Indianapolis but with updated construction.
Looking ahead, drivers such as Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood, winner of the latest oval race, have expressed cautious optimism about the potential for improved racing. However, Kirkwood highlights that the limited repaving effort may retain the challenges faced in 2024: “The issue remains that all the grip is at the bottom,” he stated, emphasizing the need for asphalt degradation for a more competitive race.
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden, a six-time Iowa victor, echoed these sentiments. He believes the current configuration will likely limit racing opportunities: “To create degradation and force drivers to explore different lines, you’d need to decrease downforce,” he explained, suggesting that the current setup may push competitors into a single racing line.
As the Iowa doubleheader approaches, the focus remains on whether these technical adaptations will generate the thrilling environment aimed for by the series and teams.
