Indycar 2025

[CurtEgerer]

The series has done a 180 since last year. It was really good racing last year (actually, the last few years). I looked forward to watching every race. Not so much this year Palou seems to have been the one who has adapted to the hybrid and the new tires the best. But even without him winning everything, the racing is just not there this year. They need to make some drastic changes for 26.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

I was just thinking the other day, I don't recall all these tech DQs we seem to see in recent years back in the Golden Era of CART (mid-80s to late-90s). Maybe just the nature of a spec-chassis series.

Yeah. The rules weren't as confining in those days. But with little gains meaning so much more with these cars, things get pushed.

[CurtEgerer]

2024 results:

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

I was just thinking the other day, I don't recall all these tech DQs we seem to see in recent years back in the Golden Era of CART (mid-80s to late-90s). Maybe just the nature of a spec-chassis series.

I'm glad and was super fortunate to experience working on a car in that era, even if the car was a slug

Do you think the new hybrid rules have taken something away from the racing?

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

I'm glad and was super fortunate to experience working on a car in that era, even if the car was a slug

Do you think the new hybrid rules have taken something away from the racing?

I don't know if it is the rules or the impact of adding the hybrid system (~100lbs) to a chassis that was already compromised by the aero screen addition (more weight at a high location) that effects the racing more.

The cars are simply not as agile as they used to be. I am not aware of any Indycar driver that likes the hybrid system.

[CurtEgerer]

Only 2 things changed between 2024 and 2025: tires and hybrids. Take your pick or choose both to explain the drastic change in the racing. I say it's mostly the new tires. Ironically, Indycar purposely changed the tire formula to provide a bigger difference between primary and alternate thinking it would make the racing even better. It seems to have had the opposite effect with most using race strategies to conserve tires (and fuel)

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Ironically, Indycar purposely changed the tire formula to provide a bigger difference between primary and alternate thinking it would make the racing even better. It seems to have had the opposite effect with most using race strategies to conserve tires (and fuel)

That isn't racing. It is engineering. If they want to focus on this, just go with driverless cars and may the best software take the checkered flag.

[CurtEgerer]

This seems like common sense and I'm surprised every team doesn't have one. Even if it were a dual-role position where someone is assigned to do a full tech inspection before rolling the car up for the official tech inspection.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

This seems like common sense and I'm surprised every team doesn't have one. Even if it were a dual-role position where someone is assigned to do a full tech inspection before rolling the car up for the official tech inspection.

It seems this is going to be a trend. New sheriff in town (Boles), new enforcement.

Imagine if Marcus had hung on to win-would they have taken it away? Still, his team lost a million dollars (2nd place money) and a bunch of points over a small violation.

Pruett said on his pod that most teams are going to do something similar. A big concern is that Dallara outsources production and even new parts direct from them can have compliance issues.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

This seems like common sense and I'm surprised every team doesn't have one. Even if it were a dual-role position where someone is assigned to do a full tech inspection before rolling the car up for the official tech inspection.

Really shocked at the level of racing Indy is this isn't just the norm for all teams competing

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

Really shocked at the level of racing Indy is this isn't just the norm for all teams competing

I see what you're saying but to me its PR on MSRs part (look what we're doing) when other teams already may have sufficient checks and balances. If nothing else, all teams will be on high technical compliance alert. Note that it is not a new position but another task for an existing team member.

[Mahler9th]

I met MP more than two decades ago... great person and great journalist.

Perhaps of interest:

https://racer.com/2025/05/12/indycar-s-enigma-why-the-best-racing-on-the-planet-changed

[Scott Douglas]

Well one thing's for sure, they'll know who to can if the car fails a tech inspection at the track.

[rfuerst911sc]

Dixon and Rahal each receive 6 grid position penalties for the Detroit race . Both are engine related penalties .

[rfuerst911sc]

Pretty good race today in Detroit . Felt bad for Palou getting taken out . That is a punishing street circuit . Great result for Ferrucci/AJ Foyt racing . Hopefully Rosenquists leg is OK that was a nasty side impact . Herta can't buy a win but at least the pit stops were good .

[astrochex]

Kind of an Indycar race. Surprisingly little chaos. Great result for Ferrucci and Foyt, bummer for Palou.

[rfuerst911sc]

Another post race infraction , this time for 2nd place AJ Foyt racing . The team is fined 25k , loses championship points but keeps the 2nd place finish .

https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/aj-foyt-racing-fined-25k-lose-championship-points-after-detroit-santino-ferrucci-keeps-second-place/10729231/

[CurtEgerer]

A bit confusing but they were 1.8 lbs under the 185 driver + ballast weight and 10 lbs over the minimum car weight. So a total of 8.2 lbs too heavy .... sounds to me like he should've been moved up to 1st

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

A bit confusing but they were 1.8 lbs under the 185 driver + ballast weight and 10 lbs over the minimum car weight. So a total of 8.2 lbs too heavy .... sounds to me like he should've been moved up to 1st

If the car was too heavy after the race it must have been too heavy before the race . How did that get missed ??? Did Santino eat pasta while driving ??? Seems odd to me .

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

If the car was too heavy after the race it must have been too heavy before the race . How did that get missed ??? Did Santino eat pasta while driving ??? Seems odd to me .

Its not a problem if the car is too heavy. Maybe Foyt is conservative with their build.