IndyCar zeroing in on date for first IR28 track test

IndyCar’s plans to start track testing its new Dallara IR28 chassis have been set for late July or early August.

Barring any setbacks, the tentative schedule would see the brand-new car turns its first laps of chassis component validation testing at some point during the weeks of downtime between the Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Speedway on July 19, and the Grand Prix of Portland on the 9th of August.

RACER understands at least two IR28 tubs – the safety cell that houses the driver and serves as the superstructure that carries all major items – currently reside inside Dallara USA’s base adjacent to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana.

As previously reported, the new-for-2028 IR28 is likely to be powered by the current 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines made by Chevrolet and Honda during its initial tests as both brands work on readying their 2028-spec 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6s for track testing later in the year.