The Verizon IndyCar Series will revert to a universal aero kit in 2018, and has frozen the development of both Honda and Chevrolet on their current kits for 2017.
In a bid to close up the competition, IndyCar officials have decided that the two separate aero kits – one from Honda and one from Chevrolet – was not the way the championship should go, and although too late to do anything for 2017, the new kits will come into play the following season.
Jay Frye, the IndyCar president of competition and operations, revealed that extensive conversations with current suppliers Chevrolet and Honda, as well as the teams and stakeholders involved in IndyCar, have made the series to go in this direction in order to continue the high quality of racing.
“Today’s announcement follows an extended dialogue with Chevrolet, Honda, our teams and stakeholders – this decision focused on what is best for the future of the Verizon IndyCar Series,” said Frye.
“This is an integral component to IndyCar’s long-term plan to continue to produce the highest quality of on-track competition while also positioning ourselves to add additional engine manufacturers.
“The 2018 car is a tremendous opportunity for IndyCar and the design collaboration is already underway. The goal of the universal car is to be great-looking, less aero dependent, have more potential for mechanical grip/downforce and to incorporate all the latest safety enhancements.”
