The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is set to take a significant stride towards integrating hybrid technology into its racing environment with an upcoming oval test scheduled at the Milwaukee Mile. This marks a pivotal moment as the series gears up for the introduction of hybrid power in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, a momentous event
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is set to take a significant stride towards integrating hybrid technology into its racing environment with an upcoming oval test scheduled at the Milwaukee Mile. This marks a pivotal moment as the series gears up for the introduction of hybrid power in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, a momentous event set to take place on July 7.
Hybrid Technology Debut
The hybrid technology, a collaborative effort between INDYCAR, Chevrolet, and Honda, is slated to debut at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. This groundbreaking advancement features a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine coupled with hybrid power. Initial testing of this hybrid unit commenced in August 2023 at Sebring International Raceway, accumulating an impressive 23,518 miles among 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers within a span of just seven months.
Milwaukee Mile Test
The Milwaukee Mile oval test will witness a substantial gathering of twenty car-and-driver combinations, setting the stage for the upcoming Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s in August and September. Notable drivers such as Ed Carpenter, Graham Rahal, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, and Katherine Legge, among others, will partake in the test session. This marks a significant return for the Milwaukee Mile, which hasn’t hosted an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race since 2015.
Session Agenda
The test session is meticulously structured to facilitate drivers’ adaptation to the hybrid technology. The morning hours will be dedicated to customary testing, allowing drivers to acquaint themselves with the intricacies of the hybrid unit. In the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to simulate race conditions, including group running and pit stops, thereby fine-tuning their strategies for optimal performance.
Hybrid Power Dynamics
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The innovative hybrid system comprises a low-voltage (48V) Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and an Energy Storage System (ESS) housing 20 ultracapacitors. Positioned between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox, this system harnesses regenerative energy during braking, subsequently deploying it to provide additional horsepower upon driver demand. Notably, the hybrid power unit will offer options for both automatic and manual regeneration, enhancing driver control and strategic flexibility.
Competitive Enhancements
The integration of hybrid power aims to augment the competitive landscape of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. With additional overtake (Push to Pass) options and boosted horsepower, drivers are afforded greater control and strategic maneuverability, fostering intensified on-track competition and spectator excitement. Furthermore, the hybrid system’s safety features, including the ability for drivers to restart the car independently in the event of a spin or stall, contribute to a safer and more dynamic racing environment.
Future Prospects
As hybrid unit development continues to evolve, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES anticipates further enhancements in horsepower and performance. The synergistic utilization of hybrid power and traditional Push to Pass systems on road and street circuits promises to elevate the racing experience, offering fans a thrilling display of speed and skill.
Conclusion
The Milwaukee Mile test represents a significant milestone in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ journey towards hybrid technology integration. With a robust lineup of drivers poised to put the hybrid unit through its paces, the stage is set for a new era of electrifying racing prowess in one of motorsport’s most revered competitions.
