IndyCar is gearing up for an important milestone as the new Dallara IR28 chassis is scheduled for its first oval test at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on September 9 and 10. This testing session will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, allowing the IR28 to navigate the 2.5-mile oval for the first time, a crucial step in its development ahead of the 2028 racing season.
The Dallara IR28 has already undergone preliminary testing on the IMS road course earlier this month, where notable drivers such as Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou had the opportunity to pilot the car. Rossi took the wheel on August 1, followed by Palou on August 2 and 4. However, the drivers who will participate in the upcoming oval test have yet to be announced, leaving fans eager to see who will take on this new challenge.
IndyCar and Dallara have high hopes for the IR28, with aspirations that it could potentially break existing track records at IMS. The current one-lap record of 237.498 mph and the four-lap qualifying record of 236.986 mph, both set by Arie Luyendyk in 1996, stand as benchmarks that the IR28 aims to surpass. After his initial testing session, Palou expressed confidence in the car's capabilities, stating, "I think we’re going to break a lot of IndyCar records on all kinds of tracks." This sentiment underscores the excitement surrounding the new chassis and its potential impact on the sport.
Following the initial rounds of testing, the Dallara IR28 chassis will be delivered to IndyCar’s engine manufacturers, Chevrolet and Honda, in late 2026 or early 2027. This phase will allow the manufacturers to finalize their development of the new 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines that will power the car. Additionally, a hybrid powertrain will be integrated into the chassis, marking a significant evolution in IndyCar technology. Teams are expected to receive the new chassis in June 2027, paving the way for a new era in the series.
The testing at IMS is not just a procedural step; it represents a significant moment in IndyCar's ongoing evolution and commitment to innovation. As the series continues to grow and adapt, the performance and reliability of the IR28 will be closely watched by teams, drivers, and fans alike. The anticipation surrounding this new chassis reflects the broader excitement for the future of IndyCar racing.
As the September test date approaches, all eyes will be on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Dallara IR28 will aim to make a lasting impression on the oval that has long been a cornerstone of American motorsport.
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