By Josh Farmer, IndyCar Reporter
IndyCar announced today that development on the 2017 aero kit will be frozen immediately before switching to a universal kit in 2018.
The decision comes in the wake of discussions held throughout the year with the teams as well as manufacturers Honda and Chevrolet of retracting the kits in favor of a spec design.
Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations noted that the move is part of the series’ plan to move forward while producing a competitive product on track. He also noted that the 2018 design could feature a less aero dependent design.
“This is an integral component to INDYCAR’s long-term plan to continue to produce the highest quality of on-track competition while also positioning ourselves to add additional engine manufacturers,” he said in a statement.
“The goal of the universal car is to be great-looking, less aero dependent, have more potential for mechanical grip/downforce and to incorporate all the latest safety enhancements.”
The aero kits were implemented for the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series Season after being officially announced in 2013. Honda and Chevrolet both produced kits with Pratt & Miller designing the Chevrolet kit while Wirth Engineering designed the 2015 aero kit for Honda before the company switched to an in house design for the 2016 season.
