Indianapolis Motor Speedway Test Sessions: Focus on Tire and Chassis Development
Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is set to host two days of critical testing on its 2.5-mile oval, aimed at evaluating new Firestone superspeedway tire compounds and gathering feedback on the recent resurfacing of Turn 2. The sessions will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM ET.
On Tuesday, Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou will lead the track action, joined by Ed Carpenter Racing’s Alexander Rossi and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Takuma Sato. Rossi and Sato, both seasoned IndyCar veterans with three Indy 500 wins, will provide insights into brake and damper packages for the upcoming Dallara chassis set to debut in 2028.
Key Technical Insights:
- Brakes: IndyCar has utilized Performance Friction Corporation (PFC) for carbon fiber brake discs and pads since transitioning from Brembo in 2018. PFC is expected to continue as the sole supplier for the new chassis.
- Dampers: Currently, teams have the flexibility to source dampers independently, a practice that may evolve as new chassis regulations are discussed, potentially limiting suppliers and internal modifications.
Viewing Information: Fans can observe the testing from the Turn 2 viewing mounds at IMS.
The outcomes of these test sessions are essential for both tire development and chassis engineering, setting the stage for future performance improvements in IndyCar.
