By Josh Farmer, Journalist
IndyCar announced changes to the series’ rulebook for the upcoming 2016 season.
Aerodynamic changes are on hand for all ovals on the schedule. Phoenix will have the same aerodynamic configuration that was put in place in 2015. The two longest ovals on the schedule, Indianapolis and Pocono, will have the same aero configuration as 2015 with the addition of a domed skid plate and rear wing beam flaps which are designed to prevent cars from becoming airborne in the event of spinning. Texas will see a slight increase in downforce while Iowa will lose a bit of downforce.
Double points will return for the season finale at Sonoma Raceway and the Indianapolis 500 while the bonus point payout for the 500 has been tweaked. Forty two points will be awarded to the polesitter, second place will receive 40 points descending down to one point for the 33rd qualifier. The provisional field for the 500 will be set on Saturday, May 21 while the pole sitter will be determined the following day.
Five miles per hour have been added to each phase of Rookie orientation for the Indianapolis 500: 10 laps at 210-215 mph, followed by 15 laps at 215-220 mph and 15 laps at 220-plus mph. Each phase sees an increase of 5 mph from 2015.
The power of the overtake assist allowed on road and street courses has been increased by 20 horsepower while the minimum weight has been increased by 10 points to accommodate for the new safety enhancements.
