INDYCAR to test ‘windscreen’ cockpit protection

INDYCAR will take its latest step towards introducing a form of cockpit protection to the Verizon IndyCar Series when Scott Dixon trials the new ‘windscreen’ design at Phoenix International Raceway next week.

Coinciding with the FIA’s decision to introduce the ‘Halo’ to a number of series including Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula E, INDYCAR has been evaluating options for some form of cockpit protection to be introduced in the near future, with its 2018 chassis allowing for future incorporation of an added system.

Similar to the ‘aeroscreen’ that was briefly considered by F1, the ‘windscreen’ will be tested by Chip Ganassi Racing driver Dixon at Phoenix next Thursday through a four-hour session that will account for running in daytime, dusk and night.

"This has been a long process, one that's been very methodical and purposeful," INDYCAR President of Competition and Operations Jay Frye said.

"We have been striving to create a safety piece that aesthetically looks good and works in all conditions, and this is a test of those things.

“Any piece we put on an Indy car must work for multiple types of venues and different lighting conditions. It has to be versatile.”

As per INDYCAR: “The prototype windscreen has been tested in a scale-model wind tunnel and racing simulator at Dallara, INDYCAR's chassis producer.

“Harding Racing's Gabby Chaves provided driver feedback after testing in the Dallara driving simulator last year.

“The on-track test at ISM Raceway is the next step in its evolution, though Frye said there is no timetable for implementation in Verizon IndyCar Series competition.”