IndyCar's next chassis has moved from testing to manufacturing. Racer reports that Dallara has started series production of the IR-28, which will replace the current DW12 race car after the 2027 IndyCar season. The news appeared in Mac's Motor City Garage's briefing for 16 October, which said the production run began after a number of successful track tests.
The DW12 has been the series' standard chassis for many years, with updates along the way, so a new design is a major milestone. In IndyCar, all teams use a chassis built by one supplier, Dallara, which helps to control costs and keep competition close. A new chassis affects aerodynamics, safety features and how teams set up their cars, so teams need time to prepare.
I have only seen the headline and summary, so I do not know the details of the design, such as its safety improvements or how it differs visually from the current car. Production starting now suggests that teams will have cars ahead of the 2028 season, allowing testing and preparation in the months in between. Series production involves building dozens of chassis to a high standard, which takes time.
For fans, a new car can bring a fresh look and perhaps changes in racing, such as overtaking opportunities. For the series, the introduction is also a chance to attract new manufacturers and sponsors. Next-generation cars in motorsport are carefully introduced after extensive testing, because mistakes can be costly and dangerous. Watch for official specifications, photographs and the schedule of tests, as well as comments from drivers who have tried the car. The final season for the DW12 in 2027 will also give fans a chance to say goodbye to a long-serving design.
