RACER’S Marshall Pruett has spent the last year tracking developments with the IndyCar Series’ new chassis, engine, and the rest of what’s on the way for 2028, which we’re presenting in a multi-part feature. Check back for additional installments in the coming days.
Two more seasons of service will be required of Dallara DW12 and 2.2-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 formula before the new Dallara chassis and larger 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrids take the green flag, but fans won’t have to wait that long to see the next-generation cars on the track.
Following a long and ongoing development period, the car will be ready somewhat early, and should break cover soon after the 2026 Indianapolis 500.
“Dallara will actually have some of the chassis components ready from a prototype standpoint as soon as late this year, and that’ll put us in a good position,”
Tests on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course and 2.5-mile oval can be expected, along with trips to short ovals and permanent road courses. Provided Chevrolet and Honda, IndyCar’s current engine manufacturers, or any new factory engine suppliers sign on to support the 2028 formula, the start of testing next summer would likely involve the traditional practice of nominating one or more of their affiliated teams to conduct the tests on every brand’s behalf.
Using the introduction process for the DW12 and the recent development of IndyCar’s first hybrid system as a guide, engineers from those Chevy- and Honda-affiliated teams would be welcome to attend the tests. Findings from the tests would be shared with all associated teams to start building their knowledge base before their own cars start to arrive in 2027.
“Spring of ‘27 is when teams will start to get their cars, and then they’ll do their rounds of testing,” Sibla said. “And through that process, we’ll be set to go before the 2028 season. That’s the key part.”
With the in-season arrival of the new Dallaras, IndyCar will need to temper teams’ desire to commence testing the moment their 2028 cars arrive. Sibla and his series counterparts will be tasked with mapping out a 2027 calendar that blends an active farewell racing season for the DW12 with the need to put miles on its successor in preparation for the following season.
Doing so within the confines of a calendar and budget geared towards running 17 or more races will be the challenge.
“The thing we’re going to always look at is how do we balance that excitement and let’s go testing with the financial elements of it, because it’s tough on the teams themselves and the personnel to do all of this at once,”
“We could look at group testing that takes place after the season, and how much of it is happening in the season? Do we try to do things where, maybe the Monday following an event, we stay at the track and test? It’s a little bit easier, if you’re there, to do that. But we’ll definitely look at the best ways to do it because I think testing a new car is cool. But, how are we mindful of it to do it in the best way for the teams?”
