The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is taking a significant step towards integrating hybrid technology with a test scheduled for Tuesday at the Milwaukee Mile, a historic 1-mile oval. This test precedes the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s, set for August 31 and September 1.
The hybrid technology will make its racing debut at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio on July 7, 2025, with the new 2025 Civic Hybrid. The collaboration between INDYCAR, Chevrolet, and Honda has resulted in a pioneering hybrid unit, initially paired with the 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and tested at Sebring International Raceway in August 2023. Over seven months, the hybrid system has been tested for 23,518 miles by 28 drivers across various tracks.
Tuesday's test will be the largest field yet for hybrid testing, following previous tests at several venues, including Barber Motorsports Park, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Road America, Sebring, and World Wide Technology Raceway.
The Milwaukee Mile is hosting its first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race since 2015. Among the drivers testing, Ed Carpenter, Graham Rahal, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, and Katherine Legge have prior experience at the track. Jack Harvey, who finished fifth in an INDY NXT race at Milwaukee in 2014, will also participate.
Chip Ganassi Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing will miss this test due to drivers competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Drivers who miss the hybrid test at Milwaukee will have another opportunity later in the season.
The test session will start with a customary morning test, followed by simulated race conditions with group running and pit stops in the afternoon. The new hybrid power unit aims to enhance competition with additional "Push to Pass" options, providing drivers with more control and increasing on-track excitement.
The hybrid system includes a low-voltage (48V) Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System (ESS) with 20 ultracapacitors. This system fits inside the bellhousing between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox. The MGU generates power during braking, which is stored in the ESS and deployed upon driver demand.
On road and street circuits, drivers will have options for automatic regeneration via braking or throttle position and manual regeneration via steering wheel paddles. The deployment of stored energy will be manual, similar to the existing Push to Pass system, providing an additional 120 horsepower for a total of over 800 horsepower.
Safety features include a low-voltage system and the ability for drivers to restart their cars on road and street circuits if they spin and stall, reducing the need for safety team intervention and increasing green-flag action.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES resumes on Sunday, July 23, with the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, broadcasted on USA Network, Peacock, and INDYCAR Radio Network.
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