VeeKay faces sliding as he exits his pit box to evaluate the hybrid system. Photo: IndyCar – Joe Skibinski
In recent days, six of the less prominent teams in IndyCar had the opportunity to test the upcoming hybrid power system. Meyer Shank Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, AJ Foyt Racing, and Ed Carpenter Racing finally had the chance to experience the new components on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Unlike the larger teams, these smaller teams had not been able to test the hybrid system until now due to limited resources.
The larger teams have already accumulated over 21,000 miles of testing since October 2022, covering various types of tracks and following guidelines provided by Honda, Chevy, and IndyCar officials. Rinus VeeKay, who drives for ECR Chevy, commented on the similarities between the new system and the previous one but acknowledged the additional buttons and procedures he needed to navigate. As a team, they are still adapting to this new technology and are eager to learn. VeeKay expressed frustration at not being able to provide the team with valuable feedback at this early stage.
The smaller teams have been eagerly awaiting their chance to test the new system for almost a year, feeling disadvantaged due to the lack of track time compared to the larger teams. While drivers who have had several days with the hybrid system claim it does not offer a significant advantage, some drivers, like Christian Lundgaard, remain skeptical. This week’s tests aimed to level the playing field, with engine manufacturers sharing their knowledge and insights gained from testing by the larger teams.
Santino Ferrucci highlighted Chevy’s efforts to ensure that all teams were well informed about the new system. The manufacturer took the time to sit down with each team, providing a comprehensive explanation and answering all questions. Ferrucci expressed his excitement about the future integration of the hybrid system in the series and described the challenges and mental load it brings to the drivers. He emphasized the need for extensive training to adapt to the new system and the potential increase in driver fatigue during races.
During the two days of testing, the smaller teams covered approximately 2,000 miles with the hybrid system. They are expected to have more dedicated testing days in the near future to further refine their testing programs. The hybrid components are still set to be introduced halfway through the season, after the Indianapolis 500, although the exact race weekend has not yet been determined.
