Six weeks post-Indy 500, the NTT IndyCar Series has officially embraced hybrid technology, combining its traditional twin-turbo V6 engines with new spec energy recovery systems (ERS). This shift marks a major evolution for the sport, as teams gather at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 10-11 to familiarize themselves with the hybrid tech first used from Mid-Ohio through Nashville.
Eleven teams, including the 10 full-time 2024 entrants and the Indianapolis-only Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, will participate. These teams will utilize the 60hp on-demand ERS units during the test, focusing on optimizing the integration of this new tech. Although earlier versions of the hybrid system were tested at IMS during its development, this session will be the debut of the final race configuration.
The test will provide valuable data on the impact of the ERS units, which add 105 pounds to the cars. It will also help determine how the mechanical drag from the motor generator units affects overall lap speeds. Depending on the results, IndyCar may adjust the peak power output from Chevy and Honda’s engines or increase the ERS power or deployment duration to mitigate any performance reductions. Notably, no new aerodynamic components will be tested.
Thursday’s Schedule Highlights:
- 9 am – 12 pm: Arrow McLaren’s 19-year-old rookie Nolan Siegel will complete his Rookie Orientation Program (ROP). After missing qualification earlier in the season with Dale Coyne Racing, Siegel is taking another shot at completing ROP ahead of the 2025 event.
- 1 pm – 5 pm: A fact-finding mission begins with drivers like Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson, Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, and Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden taking to the track.
Friday’s Agenda:
- 10 am – 12 pm & 1 pm – 5 pm: All 11 teams will have full track access, featuring drivers such as AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci, Andretti’s Ericsson, Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard, Ganassi’s Palou, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s Ryan Hunter-Reay, and others including Ed Carpenter Racing’s Alexander Rossi and Meyer Shank Racing’s Helio Castroneves.
This test represents a critical step in IndyCar’s hybrid journey, as teams work to maximize the new technology’s potential while addressing any speed or performance challenges it may bring.
