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LinkedInIndyCar plans to test cockpit protection device before the end of 2017
IndyCar plans to test its own version of a cockpit protection system on track before the end of the year, in order to decide whether to use it in the 2018 season.
Formula 1 plans to introduce the Halo device on cars from the start of next season, but IndyCar has ruled out using something similar because of the impairment to drivers’ vision on oval circuits. Instead, the American series is focusing on a ‘windshield’ style device.
Jay Frye, IndyCar president of competition and operations, says that the device could be used as early as next year, but that depends on how well testing goes following extensive behind the scenes work. Ultimately, he said it was “debateable” whether the protection system would be ready by next season.
He added that the race series’ technical team was aiming to use a single device that could be used on both road and street courses as well as ovals. “You either have to have a piece that works on all our different tracks, or you have to have multiple applications,” he explained. “Obviously the optimal thing would be to have a device that worked everywhere so that’s what we’ve been trying to go for. Ultimately, the big thing will be to get driver input.”
