IndyCar Stars Welcome Revolutionary IR-28

The NTT IndyCar Series has unveiled the long-awaited Dallara IR-28, offering teams, drivers and fans their first glimpse of the next generation of IndyCar machinery that is scheduled to debut in the 2028 season. Replacing the venerable DW12 chassis that has underpinned the championship since 2012, the IR-28 represents the most significant technical overhaul in well over a decade.

Featuring an entirely new chassis, a fully integrated aeroscreen, revised aerodynamic philosophy, reduced overall weight and an enlarged cockpit, the IR-28 has been designed to improve safety, enhance wheel-to-wheel competition and create a more visually striking race car while retaining the unmistakable identity of an IndyCar.

Following its official reveal, reaction from across the paddock was overwhelmingly positive, with drivers and team personnel praising both the car’s futuristic appearance and the engineering philosophy behind it.

A Modern Yet Familiar IndyCar

One of the strongest themes emerging from the launch was the balance between innovation and tradition. Although the IR-28 introduces a dramatically sharper appearance, many drivers felt Dallara had succeeded in preserving the essence of what makes an IndyCar instantly recognisable.

Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson admitted the new machine immediately sparked his desire to drive it.

“The car looks aggressive and raw, and I love the integration of the aeroscreen with the rest of the chassis and aerodynamics,” Ericsson said. “Dallara has made some really good steps. They have improved so many areas both inside and out. I jumped in and quickly got the urge to take it for a spin. I wish we could go sooner than 2028.”

Reigning four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou echoed those sentiments, believing the new design perfectly bridges the gap between the championship’s heritage and its future.

“The design is super cool and feels like a proper next step for the series while still looking like an IndyCar Series car,” said the Chip Ganassi Racing driver.

“I think the fans are going to love it, and as a driver I cannot wait to get behind the wheel. The most important thing is that we keep the close, exciting racing that makes IndyCar special, and from what I’ve seen we’re heading in a really good direction.”

Former Indianapolis 500 winner and current Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan admitted simply sitting in the cockpit reignited his competitive instincts.

“What a sight,” Kanaan said. “I haven’t had the itch to drive again as much as I did sitting in it. The car looks beautiful, futuristic and very impressive. Aerodynamically, it looks much quicker, and if it looks quicker, it’s going to be quicker.”

Safety and Driver Comfort Take Centre Stage

Beyond its appearance, one of the IR-28’s biggest developments lies beneath the bodywork.

Rather than adapting the existing chassis to accommodate safety upgrades—as happened with the introduction of the Aeroscreen in 2020—the new car has been designed from the outset with safety fully integrated into its structure.

Team Penske veteran Will Power praised the seamless engineering.

“I was just as excited to see what was inside the car as I was to see what it looks like on the outside,” Power explained. “IndyCar and Dallara have done an incredible job combining updated aerodynamic ideas with all of the safety elements from the current car.”

Another significant improvement is the enlarged cockpit, which should comfortably accommodate drivers across a wider range of physical sizes.

Reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist believes this represents a major step forward.

“There is a real ‘wow’ factor,” he said.

“The first thing that struck me is that there is more room in the cockpit and it will suit differently-sized drivers, which is really good. It still has the IndyCar DNA, which was a concern for me, and Dallara has delivered on almost everything drivers have been asking for.”

Graham Rahal, who served as the benchmark during cockpit development because of his height, also praised the finished product.

“I was the tall driver used for the seat fit and initial sizing of the cockpit, so I’ve seen the new chassis before,” Rahal explained.

“It is beautifully built, especially with how everything is integrated with the aeroscreen. Hopefully this new platform also helps attract another manufacturer into the championship.”

Designed to Produce Better Racing

While aesthetics attracted immediate attention, drivers were equally enthusiastic about the engineering changes aimed at improving racing.

The lighter chassis, revised underfloor, improved airflow management and refined aerodynamics are all intended to reduce the effects of turbulent air, allowing cars to follow one another more closely.

Former IndyCar driver Jack Harvey perhaps summed up the visual impact best.

“Seeing it without any livery, it feels like Batman has a new toy,” Harvey joked.

“It feels aggressive in all the right places. Everything I’ve heard from Dallara suggests they’re trying to minimise dirty air so we can race even closer. Even a small improvement will make a huge difference.”

Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Rinus VeeKay pointed towards several subtle aerodynamic additions that could particularly benefit oval racing.

“It still looks like an IndyCar, only much more modern and integrated,” VeeKay said.

“Even details like the bargeboards behind the front wheels should help improve racing, especially on ovals. The lighter weight is another huge positive.”

Conor Daly agreed that the package addresses many of the concerns drivers have raised over recent years.

“I love the aggressive stance, the integrated aeroscreen and the rear wing,” Daly said.

“From the weight reduction to the expected aerodynamic grip and additional engine performance, this is exactly the direction we’ve been asking IndyCar to take.”

Alexander Rossi, meanwhile, stressed that although extensive testing remains before the 2028 debut, the foundations appear extremely encouraging.

“The car is awesome,” Rossi remarked. “We all wanted something lighter, faster-looking and more futuristic while maintaining IndyCar’s exceptional safety standards. This delivers all of that.”

Excitement Builds Ahead of 2028

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyffin Simpson concluded that the arrival of the IR-28, combined with the forthcoming 2.4-litre engine package, could usher in a transformative period for the championship.

“It has exceeded expectations,” Simpson said.

“I’m excited about the performance potential as well. I can’t wait to hear the new 2.4-litre engine and see what this car can do on track. I genuinely think this will take IndyCar to another level.”

Although the IR-28 will not make its competitive debut until 2028, its unveiling has already generated considerable optimism throughout the paddock. If the positive early impressions are matched by on-track performance, IndyCar’s next generation could prove to be one of the most significant technological and sporting advances in the series’ modern era.

Key Features of the Dallara IR-28