IndyCar has been talking about adding a simple hybrid energy system to its race cars for nearly ten years. They planned to start this in 2022, but COVID changed that. Now, in the middle of this year, they’re finally making it happen. The hybrid system, made by Honda and Chevrolet, will debut in July at the Mid-Ohio round. Here’s what you need to know.
Some fans online are upset about the hybrid system. They say it’s making things too different from how they used to be. They’re worried it will ruin the racing like it did in Formula One. But in reality, hybrid systems can make racing more exciting.
IndyCar has used the same car chassis since 2012. To add a hybrid system, they had to keep costs down and make sure it fit the existing cars. The new system is small and light. It will give the cars extra power when needed. The cars will be faster than they’ve been in over twenty years.
We don’t know much about how it drives yet. But it will change how drivers brake and handle their cars. They’ll have more power, but they’ll also need to be careful not to lose control.
One good thing about this system is that it gives drivers more options during a race. They can use the hybrid boost whenever they want, unlike the current system, which has limits.
And don’t worry, the cars will still sound the same. You might hear a bit of a hybrid sound sometimes, but mostly, they’ll sound like the IndyCars you’re used to.
I’m excited about this new era of racing. I hope more carmakers join the series, and maybe we’ll even see Porsche return. I’ll be at the Mid-Ohio race in July, so I’ll tell you what it’s like to see these cars in action.
