INDYCAR blends cutting-edge innovation with pure, performance-driven racing. From safety advancements to hybrid integration and custom tire development, the series continues to evolve with technology that enhances competition without sacrificing the sport’s core identity.

The hybrid system

Hybrid Era: Blending Speed with Sustainability

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES entered a new era in 2024 with the introduction of hybrid powertrains. These systems combine a traditional 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an energy recovery unit (ERU) that captures energy during braking and redeploys it on driver demand for added acceleration. Developed through a joint effort between Honda and Chevrolet, the hybrid unit made its race debut at Mid-Ohio.

The hybrid system adds a strategic layer to the racing, giving drivers and engineers more tools to manage performance while improving overall efficiency. It also reflects INDYCAR’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with the direction of the broader automotive industry — all without compromising the raw speed and intensity the series is known for.

INDYCAR Areoscreen

Safety Innovation: The Aeroscreen

INDYCAR continues to be a leader in open-wheel safety innovation. One of the most significant advancements in recent years is the aeroscreen – a polycarbonate windscreen and titanium framework that surrounds the cockpit, protecting drivers from debris and frontal impacts.

Introduced in 2020, the aeroscreen was developed in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and designed to maintain visibility while dramatically improving driver safety. It’s been credited with preventing serious injuries in several high-profile incidents and has become a defining visual and functional feature of modern INDYCAR machinery.

The aeroscreen complements the existing crash structures, reinforced cockpit and SAFER barriers used at many tracks, making INDYCAR one of the most safety-conscious series in the world.

firestone

Firestone Firehawk Tires: Built for Every Track Type

Firestone is INDYCAR’s exclusive tire supplier, and its Firehawk race tires are specifically engineered for the full range of track types on the schedule -- from tight, low-grip street circuits to high-speed superspeedways. Tire construction and compound vary by venue, with each set developed to meet the unique demands of the surface, layout and expected conditions.

At road and street course events, Firestone provides two types of dry-weather tires: primary tires with a more durable compound (black sidewalls) and alternate tires with a softer compound (red sidewalls). The softer option delivers more grip and faster lap times, but it degrades more quickly, requiring teams to balance short-term performance with long-term wear. Drivers are required to use both types during each race, which adds a strategic layer that can influence pit timing, stint length and tire management.

In wet conditions on road and street courses, Firestone supplies rain tires with grooved tread patterns and gray sidewalls. These are designed to maintain traction and stability on a wet racing surface, allowing competition to continue safely when conditions change.

Oval racing presents a completely different challenge. Each oval receives a custom tire compound and construction tuned for the forces specific to that track. Firestone’s oval tires are built to withstand sustained speeds above 230 mph, extreme banking and heavy lateral loads, especially over long green-flag runs. Short ovals require a more agile tire setup, offering strong grip for quick cornering without sacrificing consistency.

Firestone uses detailed track data and off-season testing to develop each compound, often fine-tuning specific tire packages for a single race. The result is a level of performance and reliability that drivers can trust – while giving teams an essential variable to manage through setup decisions and race-day strategy.