April 2025

16 Speed Meets Science The Cutting-Edge Technology Behind IndyCar At first glance, IndyCar racing looks like a battle of speed and skill — drivers pushing ma- chines to the limit. But beneath the roar of the Firestone Grand Prix is an incredible fusion of science, engineering, and inno- vation. Every car on that track is a marvel of modern technol- ogy, designed to slice through air, grip the road, and protect its driver — all while clocking speeds of over 200 mph. Let’s start with the heart of the machine: the engine. IndyCar’s 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engines deliver over 700 horse- power. Built by Honda and Chevrolet, these engines are light, powerful, and brutally effi- cient. They rev to 12,000 RPM, creating that signature scream as they tear down St. Petersburg’s straights. Engineers obsess over every detail — from fuel com- bustion to cooling — ensuring maximum power without sacri- ficing reliability. But raw power alone isn’t enough. IndyCars are aerody- namically sculpted to perfec- tion. Each wing, fin, and curve is designed to balance downforce and drag. Downforce pushes the car into the track, increas- ing grip through corners, while minimizing drag helps the car maintain blistering speeds on the straights. The result? Cars that stick to the road like they’re on rails while still hitting mind- blowing speeds. The tires — provided exclusive- ly by Firestone — are another unsung hero. Soft compounds Photo by | | Jake Coughlin