Drivers will have to run both compounds of tire at Gateway this year. Photo: Kevin Dejewski
The NTT IndyCar Series has announced that it will use the softer compound tire on an oval track for the first time this season, with the debut of the new arrangement coming at World Wide Technology Raceway in August.
Usually drivers do not get a choice of tire compound outside of street and road courses, but the addition of the second type of rubber on the 1.25-mile oval will open up plenty of strategy options.
The rules for the Gateway weekend will closely match a typical road course event, with drivers needing to complete racing laps on both compounds of tires at some point during the race.
Other minor changes for the 2023 season were announced by the series as well, including a few updated safety items on all cars.
These include a higher side cushion on the headrest, stronger wheel tethers, an updated steering arm designed to hold up better in an accident, and a finalized design for air vanes on the nose of the cars to help keep water from pooling on the Aeroscreen during rainy days.
Other aerodynamic changes were approved specifically for the Indianapolis 500 to allow for better racing at high speeds.
Various small wickers and vanes were approved for use, as well as a new rear wing mount which will allow for more freedom in adjusting the angle of attack.
“At the Indy 500, drivers in the pack can run up to 10% more downforce than last year,” said Tino Belli, IndyCar director of aerodynamic development. “With the increased rear wing range, teams can still try and trim out the rear wing for end of race speed – and go for the win – if they have worked their way up into the lead group.
“Overall, IndyCar wants to give race teams more options going into 2023. The optional barge boards give them a crucial tool when they consider, strategically, what it will take to get to victory lane.”
The popular additional practice sessions on oval tracks to allow select cars to ‘rubber in’ a high groove in the corners will continue this year.
There will also be minor tweaks to the qualifying sessions, which will guarantee more green flag time in the event of a stoppage during the short sessions.
Keyword: IndyCar to debut oval use of alternate tire at Gateway