The Push-to-Pass System was tested by some of the top names in the NTT IndyCar Series at Indianapolis Friday, giving them a headstart with the feel of an Indy vehicle with a twin turbo-charged V6 powered with Spec Energy Recovery Systems. The hybrid system had a soft introduction over the summer and is considered a more modern way of controlling the vehicle’s horsepower and overtaking when a driver is behind the wheel. But this will be the first time it will be used on a track like Indianapolis Motorspeedway and eventually the Indy 500 in May.
What Makes the Push-To-Pass System Unique?
In addition to increasing overtake and horsepower in an open-wheel Indy vehicle, the Push-to-Pass system is comprised of two components, including the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and the Energy Storage System (ESS) located inside the bell housing, which connects the combustion engine to the transmission and gearbox. Power units then transmit the energy that powers the engine through the MGU and to the supercapacitor, delivering high horsepower and low resistance for downforce and maintaining vehicle control.
Similarly, any additional horsepower will be generated using the same MGU. It’s considered a unique unit compared to other racing vehicles because drivers will not have to keep up with how often the Push-to-Pass system is used during a race. This allows them to maintain their focus on winning. This is largely why Friday’s test was so important to drivers like Ryan Hunter-Reay, who was thrilled to get a head start on learning the ins and outs of the vehicle so far in advance of the 2025 season. He barely had a chance to grasp a good feel for the hybrid vehicle after the open test was rained out in April.
“It’s absolutely huge,” Hunter-Reay said of the fall test.” “Last year, we could only do the Open Test, which got rained out for the most part, so we started from scratch or behind the 8-ball when it came to May. This is the opportunity we needed.”
Drivers Are Encouraged by the Test
Other drivers who joined Ryan Hunter-Reay in the lineup of 11 drivers on Friday are also encouraged by finally being able to test out the new hybrid with the Push-to-Pass SystemThis group includes acclaimed Indy 500 winners Alexander Rossi, Helio Castroneves, Marcus Ericsson, and Josef Newgarden. Newgarden, in particular, expressed the importance of the test, mentioning that any time a test is held at Indianapolis Motorspeedway, it is essential for drivers and sponsors.
However, the number one purpose for the drivers, sponsors, and team owners alike is consistently winning, and the practice at Indy, especially in the new vehicle, gives everyone a chance to learn what needs to be done to win more races next season. Learning the car’s feel and how it is handled at a track like Indy is vital for developing strategies. The Push-to-Pass system will take some time, mainly because the vehicles using this system have a lighter chassis, making the overall net weight lighter and allowing it to pick up speed faster than usual.
“Any time you have an opportunity to run at the Speedway, it’s important,” Newgarden said. “Whether it is this test or the April Open Test, we try and make the best use of the time.
“Firestone is also learning about this new car and the new weight from the hybrid system.” What tire do we need to bring? The series is monitoring things from a league standpoint on how to produce another good race in 2025. I think that’s what everybody wants. So, everybody is getting something out of this day,” he stated.
Final Thoughts
Friday’s test of the hybrid Indy vehicle featuring the Push-to-Pass System gave some of the top IndyCar drivers a chance to learn the weight and feel of the car and how it handles at a track like Indianapolis Motorspeedway. This will be the first time a hybrid vehicle has been featured at this track, and it has undoubtedly been a long time coming, not only for the drivers but also for sponsors and owners. The Indianapolis 500 is the most iconic race but also one of the most challenging and dangerous races on the NTT series calendar each year.
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