# IndyCar Drivers Test New Car on Rough Track

> IndyCar drivers deliberately rough up new car at Sebring to test durability.
- Title: IndyCar Drivers Test New Car on Rough Track · Autoweek
- Summary: IndyCar drivers deliberately rough up new car at Sebring to test durability. IndyCar drivers intentionally stressed new IR-28 chassis on bumpy Sebring track…
- Keywords: indycar, ir-28, sebring, alex palou, alexander rossi, dallara, ntt indycar series, road courses, street circuits, cars, sports, Drivers
- Source: Autoweek — https://autoweek.com/racing/a74134534/indycar-told-its-drivers-to-beat-up-the-new-car
- Author: Susan Wade
- Published: 2026-10-14T16:48:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: indycar, ir-28, sebring, alex palou, alexander rossi, dallara, ntt indycar series, road courses, street circuits, cars, sports
## 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
## Key takeaway

IndyCar drivers intentionally stressed new IR-28 chassis on bumpy Sebring track to identify issues before 2028 racing season.