In the run-up to the start of the IndyCar season in St Petersburg, new information has been revealed about the series’ plans for the future. This includes updates on new car parts, rule changes, and insights from series president Mark Miles on various topics such as hybrid power, a potential new car for 2027, and TV opportunities. Ahead of the St Petersburg race, we will break down what we have learned about the series’ future, both in the context of 2024 and beyond.
During a briefing with select media, Mark Miles highlighted some key points about the series, including a 24% increase in race attendance, an 89% rise in merchandise sales since 2021, and a 4% growth in sponsorship revenue. He addressed concerns from fans about the delay in implementing the hybrid engine formula and acknowledged the need for change under Roger Penske’s leadership. Miles emphasized that IndyCar is committed to long-term growth, even though it may not have the same financial resources as other motorsports series.
Regarding the hybrid system, which has faced multiple delays, Miles expressed confidence that it will be introduced this summer. He mentioned that a team testing the system has deemed it ready for use, but supply issues and ensuring its reliability for the entire grid have been challenges. Miles also noted that the timing of the hybrid introduction aligns well with the current state of the automotive market, as fully electric technology adoption among consumers has been slower than anticipated.
The current IndyCar chassis has been in use since 2012, and while it has contributed to close racing, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of forward planning. Miles revealed that IndyCar plans to introduce a new engine and chassis for 2027, with the goal of attracting a third manufacturer and reducing costs. Safety improvements and making the car more environmentally friendly are also priorities for the new chassis.
There have been rumors about the introduction of a NASCAR-style charter system in IndyCar, which would provide guaranteed entries into the Indianapolis 500. Miles acknowledged fan concerns about this potential change and stated that the latest proposal does not include guaranteed Indy 500 entries. Discussions are ongoing with team owners to address this topic.
IndyCar has shown interest in expanding its international presence, considering opportunities outside of the US. While plans for a non-championship race in Argentina have been put on hold due to an economic crisis, Miles expressed a proactive approach to exploring international races in the future.
IndyCar has been promoting or co-promoting its own events, giving the series more control over organization and planning. This strategy has been successful at various locations, and IndyCar aims to apply this approach to new areas. The focus is on increasing presence in metro markets, particularly in the northeast, and discussions are underway for potential co-promoted races.
IndyCar’s current deal with NBC will end after the 2024 season. The series has been exploring potential media partners and expects to announce its decision before the Indy 500 in May. The main priority is to increase the reach of the series with the next media deal.
In terms of technical updates, IndyCar has been working on weight-saving measures ahead of the introduction of a hybrid unit. The aeroscreen device has been refined to be lighter and 3D printed using titanium. The car will also feature a magnesium gearbox casing and belhousing to reduce weight. The hybrid system will allow drivers to manually decide when to charge the unit using regen, and the extra hybrid power must be deployed manually. The hybrid unit uses a super capacitor instead of heavy batteries, providing a significant horsepower boost.
Other updates to the car include improvements to safety, such as stronger front wheel bearing retaining nuts and rear uprights with attached tethers. The brake rotors have also been refreshed for better cooling. Additionally, there are new LEDs on the rear wing to improve visibility in wet conditions.
There are a few rule changes for the upcoming season. One notable change is the introduction of a restart line, where cars are not allowed to overtake until they reach this line after the final corner but before the start/finish line. This rule aims to prevent unnecessary incidents during restarts. St Petersburg will also have a new practice format to address issues with red flags, with sessions being split into two groups.
Overall, IndyCar is looking towards the future with plans for new car parts, potential rule changes, and international expansion. The series aims to improve its presence, increase viewership, and provide exciting racing for fans.