April 2025

17 offer more grip but wear out quickly, while harder compounds last longer but sacrifice performance. Teams must strate - gize when to switch tires, balancing speed with durability. In a race like St. Peters - burg, where street surfaces vary from smooth asphalt to bumpy concrete, tire management can mean the difference be - tween victory and defeat. And let’s not forget the tech inside the car. The steering wheel looks more like a fighter jet cockpit than a traditional wheel, packed with over 20 buttons and knobs controlling every - thing from fuel mapping to push-to-pass (a boost system giving drivers a temporary speed increase for overtakes). Real-time data streams from the car to pit crews, who monitor tire pressure, fuel levels, engine health, and even the driver’s heart rate — all in a bid to optimize perfor - mance. Safety is the final, crucial piece of the puzzle. The Aeroscreen — a titanium- reinforced canopy — pro - tects drivers from debris, inspired by fighter jet technology. The chassis, built by Italian manufac - turer Dallara, is designed to absorb massive impacts, keeping drivers safe even in high-speed crashes. IndyCar is a sport where milliseconds matter, and technology is the invisible teammate pushing drivers to the limit. The Firestone Grand Prix isn’t just a test of courage — it’s a showcase of innovation, proving that speed and science are a perfect match. Photo by | | Jake Coughlin Photo by | | Jake Coughlin Photo by | | Jake Coughlin