Dallara Automobili, the Italian chassis manufacturer of the IndyCar Series has been selected by IndyCar officials to produce the universal aero kits starting in 2018. Dallara have been a long-time partner of the IndyCar Series, and have built chassis for the Series since 1997. Currently all Indycars use the Dallara DW12 chassis, also designated the IR-12.
The new universal aero kits will be fitted to the current chassis. Teams will still have choice of engine manufacture, currently Honda or Chevrolet. IndyCar officials are still hoping for a third engine manufacture to join.
Jay Frye, president of IndyCar competition and operations had this to say about the selection process.
“This has been a collaborative effort from multiple parties, including input from our paddock and fans.
“Dallara has been a great partner, and we couldn’t be more enthused with the look, the safety enhancements and the performance objectives of the 2018 car.”
Andrea Pontremoli, Dallara CEO and general manager, remarked that their selection continues a long partnership between the Italian chassis maker and the American open-wheel series.
“2017 marks the 20th anniversary of our presence in INDYCAR, and it is a great honor for us to continue our partnership with the Verizon IndyCar Series.
“Our main goal for the new aero kit was to work on the style, trying to maintain the American essence of the car and the series keeping a good level of performance and safety.”
Testing for the universal aero kits is expected to commence on July 25-26 in speedway/oval configuration at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Road course configuration testing is scheduled for August 1, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
