The IndyCar IR28 has made its public debut, marking a significant milestone in the series’ ongoing evolution. The all-new race car introduces a redesigned platform focused on safety, performance, and future growth while giving IndyCar a fresh foundation ahead of its planned 2028 competition debut.
IR28 Marks a New Chapter for IndyCar
IndyCar has undergone significant changes in recent years, including audience growth, new race additions, new teams, and a new television network partner. Since Roger Penske acquired the series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2019, the championship has continued to evolve.
The debut of the IR28 represents the latest step in that transformation. Compared with the current IR18—which itself evolved from the Dallara-built DW12—the new car is a substantial redesign. According to firsthand impressions from its recent public appearance, the IR28 differs noticeably from its previously released renderings and introduces a lighter, safer, more advanced, and more adaptable platform.
Series Leadership Sees Opportunity for Growth
Although IndyCar has expanded its audience, developed a growing roster of well-known drivers, and added headline events such as the Arlington GP in Texas and the Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C., the series still faces competition from NASCAR and Formula 1.
Mark Sibla, IndyCar’s senior vice president of competition and operations, said the new race car is intended to strengthen an already competitive product.
“The biggest reason is: we’ve got a great product, but I think this can make it even better,” Sibla told The Drive.
He added that the IR28 is expected to create more exciting racing while providing a reset for both the chassis and engine platform.
“There can be more exciting racing, and that’s a key thing that fans will notice. I also think it gives us a reset not only on the chassis but on the engines, and that gives us a chance to go out and have some discussions with other engine manufacturers and see if we can get more folks participating,” Sibla said.
Platform Designed for Future Development
According to Sibla, the IR28 will follow a three-year development cycle that includes visual updates designed to keep the car fresh for fans while enhancing on-track competition.
The platform is also intended to appeal to additional engine manufacturers. While Honda and Chevrolet remain partners with the series, IndyCar hopes the new chassis could attract another manufacturer in the future.
The 2028 version of the IR28 will compete in its standard specification. In later seasons, IndyCar may gradually allow teams to customize selected components while maintaining competitive balance and minimizing performance disparities across the field.
Track Records and Fan Appeal Are Key Objectives
Another goal for the IR28 is setting new performance benchmarks. IndyCar hopes the new car will challenge existing lap records at circuits such as Laguna Seca and Long Beach, as well as improve the four-lap average qualifying speed record at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I think people also love challenging track records,” Sibla said. “Fans love seeing things like that and seeing historical moments—and that’s what that car is designed to do. And while visually everything’s subjective, I think [having a new look] is exciting and interesting to fans.”
Safety Improvements Built Into the Chassis
Safety was a primary focus during the IR28’s development. Rather than adding safety systems afterward, the new chassis integrates key features from the DW12 into its core design.
These include underbody air ducts, flaps, and spines designed to reduce the risk of spinning, tumbling, or flipping.
The cockpit has also been enlarged to accommodate a wider range of drivers while providing additional padding for safety and comfort. Improved cooling is another feature, including a dedicated location for a driver’s coolbox used with cooling suits.
The aeroscreen has been fully integrated into the chassis from the outset, and the car also incorporates built-in flashing lights in the rear wing along with a digital number panel mounted on the side.
Testing Program Underway
The IR28 recently appeared at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with drivers Alex Rossi and Alex Palou.
Those initial sessions served as shakedown tests rather than performance evaluations, as the prototype is not currently powered by the engine specification planned for the 2028 season.
IndyCar plans to conduct three additional tests later this year across a road course, a short oval, and a street circuit as development of the IR28 continues.
