IndyCar was planning to race into the 2024 season with new hybrid-powered cars, but they’re not ready to take the green flag just yet.
IndyCar has announced that the electrified power units won’t be incorporated until after the Indy 500.
“The partnership between Chevrolet and Honda has been phenomenal,†IndyCar President
Jay Frye said in a press release.
“The IndyCar-specific hybrid power unit is dynamic and an engineering marvel, and we’re completely committed to its successful introduction next season.â€
The power unit combines the existing 2.2-liter turbocharged V6 with an electric motor/generator that will be able to provide a boost of 150 extra horsepower and charge the battery under braking.
Cars equipped with the units have been tested at several tracks including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Milwaukee Mile and Sebring International Raceway.
The extra boost will replace the current “push-to-pass” feature and won’t have any limits on how often or long it can be used.
The 17-race 2024 IndyCar season kicks off on March 10 with the Streets of St. Petersburg race in Florida, which will be followed by an exhibition event at the private Thermal Club track in California before the schedule continues.
There will be five points events through the Indy 500. IndyCar has not confirmed that the hybrid development will be completed in time for the Detroit Grand Prix that follows it, just that the units will debut sometime after the Indy 500.
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One byproduct of the delay is that the cars will be lighter for the non-hybrid races, as they have had some weight removed from the aeroscreen, bellhousing and gearbox to offset the new equipment.
IndyCar says that could lead to record speeds and times being set at some of the tracks.