From Autoweek · Susan Wade · · 1m 20s
IndyCar Drivers Test New Car on Rough Track
IndyCar drivers deliberately rough up new car at Sebring to test durability.
In brief
IndyCar drivers deliberately rough up new car at Sebring to test durability. IndyCar drivers intentionally stressed new IR-28 chassis on bumpy Sebring track to identify issues before 2028 racing season. Originally reported by Autoweek.
IndyCar rolls out IR-28 chassis
IndyCar introduced new IR-28 chassis designed for improved performance and visual appeal.
“It looks 'cool,' more modern and visually appealing”
Drivers praise new car handling
Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou called the IR-28 a 'joy to drive' and 'aesthetically' perfect.
“It's a joy to drive and aesthetically, one that ticks every box you could hope for”
Sebring track intentionally bumpy
Sebring International Raceway has intentionally bumpy asphalt and concrete surfaces for driver skill testing.
“It mimics a street course with bumps and pavement changes”
Drivers test car on rough track
Rossi and Palou deliberately stressed the IR-28 on Sebring's bumpy track to identify issues.
“We're trying to get miles and miles, see what breaks so we can fix it”
Palou explains testing goals
Palou said they want to ensure the car passes stress tests before 2028 racing season.
“We're trying to test it as tough as we can. It's a bumpy course. Before we produce all the new cars, we want to make sure it passes this stress test”
Rossi describes track benefits
Rossi said Sebring's surface mimics street courses and provides better grip for racing.
“It mimics a street course, kind of. Because it's a permanent road course, it gets used a lot, so it's a higher grip level”
Cooling improvements in new car
The IR-28 features better cooling ducts for driver comfort and performance.
“It's been so much better, the cooling, since we started a couple months ago”
Drivers confirm car readiness
Both drivers said the IR-28 is ready for 2028 racing after testing.
“It's a very nice car to drive. It's well-built and incredibly well-engineered”
Next steps for the car
IndyCar will continue testing the IR-28 to ensure it performs well before 2028 season.
“More things are scheduled to come as time comes that will allow this car to race and perform even better”
In short
IndyCar drivers intentionally stressed new IR-28 chassis on bumpy Sebring track to identify issues before 2028 racing season.
