MOTORSPORT: Indycar locks in hybrid debut
Open-wheel class the latest global category to join the electrification raceNorth America’s open-wheel Indycar series is the latest in a growing list of motorsport categories to adopt a hybrid engine architecture, with the category confirming its introduction for the upcoming 2024 round at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 7.
When deployed in racing, the system will provide drivers with an additional 120hp (90kW), bringing total engine output to over 800hp (597kW), with greater power levels expected in the future as the system is developed.
For engine manufacturers Honda and Chevrolet, the new ruleset is in line with trends on the showroom floor.
“Hybrid technology is playing an ever-increasing role in both our racing programs and the production vehicles created by Honda and Acura,” said David Salters, Honda Racing Corporation USA President.
“More than a quarter of Honda’s total sales in 2023 – nearly 300,000 vehicles – were Honda CR-V and Accord hybrids.
“Introducing electrification to Indycar at Mid-Ohio further aligns our racing efforts with Honda’s passenger car production as we operate multiple manufacturing and R&D facilities in central Ohio, employing more than 13,000 associates there.”
Since testing began on eight different circuits in August last year, the hybrid unit on both of the 2.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engines has logged some 37,000km, with the new architecture paving the way for additional push-to-pass options for series organisers.
At the heart of the system is a 48-volt Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System (ESS), which consists of 20 ultracapacitors that fit inside the bell housing between the engine and the vehicle’s transaxle.
The system is powered by regeneration through the clutch shaft, with the energy deployed on demand. Drivers will be able to run the system automatically or in a series of manual settings.
One added bonus is that the system allows drivers to restart cars on their own, eliminating the need for external starters if the cars were to stall.
Before the debut of Indycar’s hybrid system, the Indy 500 is shaping up as a clash of motorsport heavyweights.
The Indycar Series currently has a rich antipodean flavour, with Down Under drivers Scott McLaughlin, Will Power and Scott Dixon all within the top six in the standings after a drama-charged start to the season, in which the leading Team Penske outfit was scrubbed from the results of the opening race in St Petersburg following engine irregularities.
After this weekend’s rounds of qualifying, where the field of 34 will be whittled down to a final 33, all eyes will be on NASCAR star Kyle Larson as he is set to make his Indycar debut on May 26.
He will aim to join John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and Kurt Busch in contesting both the Indy 500 and Charlotte 600 NASCAR race on the same day.
Global electrification push
Around the world, multiple leading race series have chosen a path of hybridisation.
In 2009, Formula 1 rules allowed for the use of kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) and regenerative braking, while in 2014 the series introduced a full 2.4-litre V8 hybrid ruleset.
From 2026, new F1 regulations will place greater emphasis on electric motors, which has seen Audi and Ford both enter as registered power unit suppliers.
Elsewhere, the latest prototype sports car regulations used in the World Endurance Championship, IMSA, and the Le Mans 24 Hours allow for hybrid architectures in a range of configurations that each manufacturer can tailor to their taste.
Locally, the latest Supercars Gen3 package has been designed in a manner that potentially allows for the future addition of a hybrid unit.
Full electric racing is now commonplace in series such as Formula E and Extreme E, while many manufacturers have dabbled in pure battery electric concepts, such as the Ford SuperVan 4.2, which visited Australia at the start of the year.
One outlier from the electrification trend is the World Rally Championship, which for 2025 is set to ditch hybridisation in a bid to cut costs and attract additional manufacturers.
Related: MOTORSPORT: McLaughlin claims second Indycar win
Related: MOTORSPORT: Norris breaks through in Miami
Related: MOTORSPORT: Heimgartner and Brown share NZ Supercars success
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
