IndyCar racing is often called the best open-wheel racing series in America. The series involves high-speed racing, drafting, chasing for championship titles and lots of high performance. IndyCar drivers are considered the best of the stock when it comes to racing. They have nerves of steel which enable them to conduct maneuvers and race at speeds of nearly 240 mph countering g forces while cornering and giving split-second reactions. IndyCar racing uses V6 engines to power its cars throughout the races. The engine is a hybrid power unit capable of producing nearly 900 hp of power and around 700 hp of power when running on internal combustion.
IndyCar is a unique series in its own regard. As such, it has many special technologies and methods which are not present in other series and are a crucial part of IndyCar itself. Some of these technologies are as simple as stagger. However, one of the most important and complex technologies used in IndyCar is the push-to-pass system.
Push to Pass in IndyCar
The IndyCar system employs push to pass which, as its name suggests, is an overtaking aid available to the drivers. This technology is similar to the DRS used by Formula 1. However, the key differences lie in the implementation of these two technologies. The DRS is simply a modification in the rear aero of the Formula 1 car. On the other hand, Push to Pass works by implementing a system in the engine itself which allows the IndyCar to have more power and thus, pass more effectively.
IndyCar has described the implementation of the push-to-pass system on its official YouTube channel. The push to pass is a button on the steering wheel labelled as overtake. When a driver depresses this button, the button relays an electronic signal to the ECU of the car. The ECU is essentially the main unit which controls every aspect of power in the cars. The ECU then directs the turbochargers to push more air into the car thus creating a boost of power which can be used to overtake, defend or gain more speed out of a corner. Every IndyCar track has different limitations for the push-to-pass system. This includes nearly 150 to 200 seconds of employment used as per strategy. Although, the newer hybrid engines of the 2024 IndyCar season allow for unlimited use of the push-to-pass system.
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FAQs on Push to Pass IndyCar
A. Push to pass is a electronic system which gives engine more power in IndyCar.
A. Push to pass is employed in the engine whereas the DRS is employed rear aero of the car.
A. IndyCars employ a semi-automatic gearbox.
A. No their is no system in IndyCar which allows the manipulation of rear wing as DRS in F1.
