Facts

IndyCar Series Facts and Figures

What is the top speed of an IndyCar Series Car?
The 650 horsepower IndyCar Series has a top speed of approximately 370kph!

How quick are the pit stops?
Team crews are able to change 4 tyres, fill the 83lt fuel tank and make some minor adjustments in approximately 8 seconds.

What safety equipment do the drivers use?
A driver wears extensive protective equipment including a 3-layer Nomax fire suit, fireproof underwear, balaclava, gloves, boots, Helmet and a HANS® device (head and neck support device).

What were the results of the 2007 Lexmark Indy 300?
1st Sebastian Bourdais
2nd Justin Wilson
3rd Bruno Junquiera

Who are the previous winners of the Gold Coast Indy 300?
1991 John Andretti
1992 Emerson Fittipaldi
1993 Nigel Mansell
1994 Michael Andretti
1995 Paul Tracey
1996 Jimmy Vasser
1997 Scott Pruett
1998 Alex Zanardi
1999 Dario Francitti
2000 Adrian Fernandez
2001 Christiano Da Matta
2002 Mario Dominguez
2003 Ryan Hunter-Reay
2004 Bruno Junqueira
2005 Sebastian Bourdais
2006 Nelson Phillipe
2007 Sebastian Bourdais
* Sebastian Bourdais is the only driver to win the race more than once

What engines do IndyCar Series Cars use?
All cars use the same ethanol-powered Honda 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 650hp and can accelerate the car from 0 to 161kph in less than 3 seconds.

What Tyres do the IndyCar Series cars use?
IndyCar Series cars have their very own Firestone Firehawk Tyres, at speed they almost reach 100 degrees Celsius and the surface becomes a tar-like consistency. The size of the Firestone Tyres are 26 inches in diameter for the front and 27.5 inches for the rear, 10 inches wide and weigh 18 pounds on the front and 14.5 inches wide and weigh 22 pounds on the rear.

What is on the driver’s steering wheel?
Overtake button – Changes the fuel map to 100% rich for a set amount of time for extra power.
PI Dash – Displays warning lights and information such as lap times, oil, gearbox and water temperatures and fuel usage
RPM Shift Lights – coloured LED lights indicate Revs Per Minute and acts as a guide to change gears
Pit Lane Speed Limiter – a control used to limit the car’s speed to the pit lane speed limit – approx 100kph
Push To Talk – The button the driver uses when they communicate with their team.
Reset Button – used to reset information during pit stops
Fuel Map Switch – a control used to adjust the amount of fuel used. Drivers will switch to a lean fuel map during caution periods
Dash Scroll – allows the driver to adjust the pages they want to view on the dash
Weight Jacker – adjusts the cross weight on the car and allows the driver to make corrections if the car starts to handle differently mid-race.
Drink – activates the water pump to feed drinking water to the driver through a tube in the helmet

How hot do drivers get while racing?
Drivers can experience temperatures over 40 degrees celsius in the cockpit due to car temperature and the 3 layers of protective clothing.

How do drivers stay hydrated?
Due to the high temperatures the drivers can lose several litres during a race. Teams have implemented a drink system that pumps water from an onboard drink bottle into the drivers helmet through a plastic tube. Drivers also practice proper hydration techniques before a race.

How physically fit do IndyCar Series drivers have to be?
Incredibly fit! A driver’s heart rate can reach 85 – 95 percent capacity during a race which equates to 150 – 200 beats per minute. Drivers also need to be incredibly strong as their bodies have to withstand up to 5Gs whilst cornering.

What does a technical inspection involve?
In order to maintain a competitive balance between all competitors each car is subject to five inspections (initial, pre-qualifying, post-qualifying, pre-race and post-race)
Initial – occurs before any on-track activity takes place, involves 15 officials and takes about 8 hours to complete all competitors. Templates are used to check the sizing of chassis elements, safety elements and other technical requirements. When a car passes each inspection it receives a decal indicating a pass.

Want more?

For more information on the IndyCar Series check out the links below:

	IndyCar Series Drivers Get more information on your favourite IndyCar Series drivers here.
	Drivers Championship Keep up to date with IndyCar Series championship points here