Christian Rasmussen is pictured next to his vehicle, which has been equipped with the recently unveiled Aeroscreen safety device. This weekend at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, teams in the NTT IndyCar Series will be installing a new version of the Aeroscreen to their cars. Originally scheduled to debut in May at the IMS road course event, the new polycarbonate screen and carbon fiber frame have arrived earlier than expected, allowing all 27 cars to feature the updated screen. While visually similar to the original, the new components have undergone significant changes. The upgraded Aeroscreen is now 6mm thick, a reduction from its previous 9mm, and has been lightened from 18.8 pounds to a sleek 14.5 pounds. Additionally, the cars now have 11 pounds less weight due to the introduction of the new titanium halo structure at the start of the season. Tino Belli, IndyCar’s director of aerodynamic development, explained the modifications made to the new components, which include improved ventilation for the drivers. The aim of the 2.0 version was to reduce weight while enhancing the styling and driver comfort. The top edge of the Aeroscreen now features a carbon fiber frame instead of polycarbonate, allowing for a small duct that directs air onto the driver’s chest. This is crucial in maintaining driver safety and performance. The introduction of the Aeroscreen in 2020 led to increased cockpit temperatures, as the aerodynamic shape of the screen caused stagnant air around the driver. While some drivers believe that overcoming these high temperatures is part of their athletic ability, others have experienced negative effects on their performance. Street courses, in particular, have presented challenges due to the lower speeds and reduced airflow. As a result, the decision was made to implement the new parts earlier than planned, ensuring driver safety and comfort during the Long Beach street course race. The new Aeroscreen was tested during the hybrid powertrain test in March and received positive feedback from teams and drivers. All remaining road and street courses this season will feature the upgraded Aeroscreen, with the hybrid powertrain set to be introduced in June or July. The first live session with the new screen will occur on Friday in Long Beach, with the race scheduled for Sunday, April 21 at 3:30PM Eastern Time.
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