Indy Car Facts
- 3.5-liter, 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol-powered engines of IndyCar Series cars
produce more than 650 horsepower, nearly four times that of the average street car?
- Each of the eight pistons in an IndyCar Series engine travels nearly 1 mile up and
down in the cylinder every minute?
- Each of the eight pistons in an IndyCar Series engine is subjected to a maximum
acceleration of 70,000 times the force of gravity?
- Fuel mileage of an IndyCar Series car is less than 2 miles per gallon? A car burns
approximately 1.3 gallons of fuel per lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- IndyCar Series car accelerates from 0 to 100 mph in less than three seconds, more
than nine seconds quicker than it takes a production Porsche 911 Turbo street car to reach the
same speed?
- 1,565-pound IndyCar Series cars generates 5,000 pounds of downforce at 220 mph,
enough to allow the car to run upside down if that speed is maintained?
- Tread depth of an IndyCar Series tire is 3/32nds of an inch – slightly thicker than a credit
card?
- Front tire for the IndyCar Series weighs approximately 18 pounds - slightly less than the
average weight of a 1-year-old child?
- At speed, the tread area of the racing tires approaches the temperature of boiling water (212
degrees Fahrenheit)? At those levels, the tread area actually becomes tar-like in consistency
to help the tires and car adhere to the track.
- Any given moment on the racetrack, the total area of all four tires that is in contact with
the track surface is equal to about 1 square foot? That means that an area not much bigger
than a sheet of notebook paper is responsible for transferring all the technology and power
generated by IndyCar Series cars into speeds exceeding 220 mph.
- At speeds of 220 mph, the front tires of an IndyCar Series car rotate at a rate of 43 times per
second. That means, over the course of a single lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the front
tire will experience approximately 1,955 revolutions, and the rear tires will experience 1,800
revolutions. Considering a normal fuel stint is 30 laps or more at Indy, each tire could
experience more than 60,000 revolutions before it is changed for a fresh set.
- The draft (or the “hole” in the air) created by an IndyCar Series car extends 25 feet
behind the car?
- While traveling approximately 220 mph, IndyCar Series cars travel slightly more than
the length of a football field every second?
- On an oval, IndyCar Series drivers endure G-forces equal to nearly four times the
weight of gravity while going through turns? The space shuttle leaves the launching pad at
Cape Canaveral with approximately the same force.
Sources: indy500.com, Indy Racing League Media Relations, Indy Racing League Technical Department, IndyCar Series race teams, Firestone, Honda.
Race Flag color and meaning
Checkered Flag: Signifies the end of the practice session, qualification attempt or race.
The race leader is declared the winner.
Green Flag: Signals the start of the practice session, qualification attempt or race
and all restarts after a caution or red-flag period.
Yellow Flag: The “caution flag,” signals hazardous conditions on the track, and cars
must slow immediately, maintain position and yield to track safety
vehicles until the green flag is displayed. During a qualification
session, a qualification attempt is halted.
White Flag: Displayed when the leader starts the final lap of the race. During
qualifications, signals that driver has started final lap of qualification
attempt.
Royal Blue Flag: The “passing flag,” signals slower cars to yield to faster
with Diagonal traffic.
Yellow Stripe:
Red Flag: Signals that the race stops immediately, regardless of position of cars
on the track.
Black Flag: Directs a driver to proceed to the pits on the next lap and to consult
with race officials.
Black Flag Officials have ceased scoring the car until further notice.
with White Cross:
Alternating Red Signals that oil, water or some other substance has made
and Yellow Striping: track surface slippery.
The race leader is declared the winner.
Green Flag: Signals the start of the practice session, qualification attempt or race
and all restarts after a caution or red-flag period.
Yellow Flag: The “caution flag,” signals hazardous conditions on the track, and cars
must slow immediately, maintain position and yield to track safety
vehicles until the green flag is displayed. During a qualification
session, a qualification attempt is halted.
White Flag: Displayed when the leader starts the final lap of the race. During
qualifications, signals that driver has started final lap of qualification
attempt.
Royal Blue Flag: The “passing flag,” signals slower cars to yield to faster
with Diagonal traffic.
Yellow Stripe:
Red Flag: Signals that the race stops immediately, regardless of position of cars
on the track.
Black Flag: Directs a driver to proceed to the pits on the next lap and to consult
with race officials.
Black Flag Officials have ceased scoring the car until further notice.
with White Cross:
Alternating Red Signals that oil, water or some other substance has made
and Yellow Striping: track surface slippery.
Indianapolis Motor SPeedway Terms
Carb Day – The final on-track practice before Race Day each year during the Indianapolis
500, taking place on Friday of Race Week, two days before the race. The Miller Lite Carb
Day schedule includes the Freedom 100 Indy Pro Series race and the Indy 500 Pit Stop
Challenge. The term “Carb Day” was originated because in the past, this was the final day
teams could make adjustments of their carburetors and other engine systems based on track
performance. All IndyCar Series engines are fuel-injected today; carburetors have not been
used since 1963.
Happy Hour – The final hour of each practice day during which many drivers attempt to
post their fastest lap of the day, taking advantage of cooler conditions.
Pole position – The driver who is the fastest qualifier in pole qualifying sits on the “pole,” or
first starting position of the race, which is on the inside of the front row. The term originates
from horse racing. The horse that started on the inside was closest to the pole located inside
the inner guardrail, and thus was on the “pole position.”
Pushing – The car does not want to turn in the corners due to a lack of tire grip. This can be
caused by a lack of downforce on the front of the car or too much downforce on the rear of
the car. Also known as “understeer” and “tight.”
Rookie – An Indianapolis 500 rookie is a driver who never has competed in the race.
Therefore it is possible for a driver with prior IndyCar Series or other high-speed open-wheel
experience to still be classified as an Indianapolis 500 rookie if that driver never has
competed in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
ROP – Abbreviation for Rookie Orientation Program, the four-phase speed test that all
Indianapolis 500 rookies must pass before they are permitted to participate in the event.
SAFER Barrier – The Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) Barrier, an energy-
absorbing barrier system attached to the outside retaining walls in each of the four turns of
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The energy-absorbing barrier, installed in May 2002, was
constructed in 20-foot modules. Each module consisted of four rectangular steel tubes,
welded together, to form a unified element. The modules are connected with four internal
steel splices. Bundles of 2-inch-thick sheets of extruded, closed-cell polystyrene are placed
between the concrete wall and the steel tubing modules every 10 feet. Six or seven sheets of
polystyrene are used in each bundle, depending on the location on the module. The original
SAFER Barrier was removed in August 2004 to repave the track, and an updated SAFER
design was installed in spring 2005 with five rectangular steel tubes in each module.
Setup – The aerodynamic and mechanical adjustments that can be made to a car to create the
ideal balance between handling and speed.
Side pod – Bodywork on the side of the car covering the radiators and engine exhaust. Aids
in engine cooling, car aerodynamics and driver protection in the event of a side impact.
Slick – A tread-less tire, used only on dry surfaces. Slicks provide maximum contact with
the track surface, thereby enhancing grip. In wet conditions, treaded tires are used to dissipate
the water build-up between the track and the tire surfaces in order to increase grip. adj. A
track condition where a car’s tires do not adhere to the surface. This could be for a variety of
reasons, such as a lack of rubber on the surface (a “green track”), dirt on the track or high
track temperatures.
Stagger – Right-front and/or right-rear tire is larger in diameter than left-side tires in order to
improve turning ability on ovals.
Sticker tires – Slang term for new tires, derived from the manufacturer stickers placed on
each new tire.
Superspeedway – A racetrack of 1.5 mile or more in length.
Telemetry – A radio device that relays information such as engine, tire, steering and throttle
performance to team engineers in the pits. The team can monitor both car and driver activity
to ensure the car is performing properly. Also enhances driver safety by allowing the team to
notice any developing mechanical problem the driver cannot foresee.
Tight – Also known as “understeer.” A handling condition characterized by a lack of grip in
the front tires. As the driver steers through a turn, the front wheels want to continue straight
ahead.
Tire compound – A formula based on rubber polymers, oils, carbon blacks and curatives
used to create a tire. The varying lengths and banking of IndyCar Series tracks require
different compounds.
Toe – Refers to the alignment of the front and rear tires. If tires point inward, the alignment is
called “toe-in;” if outward, it is called “toe-out.” Correct toe settings are essential in order to
maximize grip, and generally change from track to track.
Tow/drafting – As a car moves around the track at 220 mph, it literally splits the air, some
of which goes over the car, and some of which goes beneath. This lack of air behind the car
creates a vacuum, which a trailing car may use to be pulled, or “towed,” by the lead car.
Victory Lane – The location of post-race celebration for the race winner. The Indianapolis
500 Victory Lane and post-race celebration was developed circa 1919 and took place at the
south end of the main straightaway. It moved to its current location in 1971. Today, the
circular Victory Podium is located in front of the Bombardier Learjet Pagoda and is used for
both pre- and post-race festivities.
Wave off – The process by which a team forfeits a qualification attempt. A driver or team
can “wave off” an attempt any time before the start of the fourth and final lap in the attempt.
If the run is waved off before the car takes the green flag, it does not count as one of the three
allowed attempts for that car. Once the green flag is waved to start the attempt, the run counts
as one attempt, even if it’s waved off.
Weight jacker – A hydraulic cylinder the driver uses to adjust car handling from the car’s
cockpit while racing. The cylinder compresses or extends springs, which transfers the car’s
weight distribution from one side of the car to the other, thereby adjusting the car’s handling
to the driver’s liking.
Wicker bill – A long, narrow, removable spoiler made of steel, aluminum or carbon fiber on
the trailing edge of the front and rear wings which varies in height, creating downforce.
Teams will use different sized wicker bills to create more or less downforce. The larger
(higher) the wicker bill, the greater the downforce, and vice versa for smaller wicker bills.
500, taking place on Friday of Race Week, two days before the race. The Miller Lite Carb
Day schedule includes the Freedom 100 Indy Pro Series race and the Indy 500 Pit Stop
Challenge. The term “Carb Day” was originated because in the past, this was the final day
teams could make adjustments of their carburetors and other engine systems based on track
performance. All IndyCar Series engines are fuel-injected today; carburetors have not been
used since 1963.
Happy Hour – The final hour of each practice day during which many drivers attempt to
post their fastest lap of the day, taking advantage of cooler conditions.
Pole position – The driver who is the fastest qualifier in pole qualifying sits on the “pole,” or
first starting position of the race, which is on the inside of the front row. The term originates
from horse racing. The horse that started on the inside was closest to the pole located inside
the inner guardrail, and thus was on the “pole position.”
Pushing – The car does not want to turn in the corners due to a lack of tire grip. This can be
caused by a lack of downforce on the front of the car or too much downforce on the rear of
the car. Also known as “understeer” and “tight.”
Rookie – An Indianapolis 500 rookie is a driver who never has competed in the race.
Therefore it is possible for a driver with prior IndyCar Series or other high-speed open-wheel
experience to still be classified as an Indianapolis 500 rookie if that driver never has
competed in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
ROP – Abbreviation for Rookie Orientation Program, the four-phase speed test that all
Indianapolis 500 rookies must pass before they are permitted to participate in the event.
SAFER Barrier – The Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) Barrier, an energy-
absorbing barrier system attached to the outside retaining walls in each of the four turns of
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The energy-absorbing barrier, installed in May 2002, was
constructed in 20-foot modules. Each module consisted of four rectangular steel tubes,
welded together, to form a unified element. The modules are connected with four internal
steel splices. Bundles of 2-inch-thick sheets of extruded, closed-cell polystyrene are placed
between the concrete wall and the steel tubing modules every 10 feet. Six or seven sheets of
polystyrene are used in each bundle, depending on the location on the module. The original
SAFER Barrier was removed in August 2004 to repave the track, and an updated SAFER
design was installed in spring 2005 with five rectangular steel tubes in each module.
Setup – The aerodynamic and mechanical adjustments that can be made to a car to create the
ideal balance between handling and speed.
Side pod – Bodywork on the side of the car covering the radiators and engine exhaust. Aids
in engine cooling, car aerodynamics and driver protection in the event of a side impact.
Slick – A tread-less tire, used only on dry surfaces. Slicks provide maximum contact with
the track surface, thereby enhancing grip. In wet conditions, treaded tires are used to dissipate
the water build-up between the track and the tire surfaces in order to increase grip. adj. A
track condition where a car’s tires do not adhere to the surface. This could be for a variety of
reasons, such as a lack of rubber on the surface (a “green track”), dirt on the track or high
track temperatures.
Stagger – Right-front and/or right-rear tire is larger in diameter than left-side tires in order to
improve turning ability on ovals.
Sticker tires – Slang term for new tires, derived from the manufacturer stickers placed on
each new tire.
Superspeedway – A racetrack of 1.5 mile or more in length.
Telemetry – A radio device that relays information such as engine, tire, steering and throttle
performance to team engineers in the pits. The team can monitor both car and driver activity
to ensure the car is performing properly. Also enhances driver safety by allowing the team to
notice any developing mechanical problem the driver cannot foresee.
Tight – Also known as “understeer.” A handling condition characterized by a lack of grip in
the front tires. As the driver steers through a turn, the front wheels want to continue straight
ahead.
Tire compound – A formula based on rubber polymers, oils, carbon blacks and curatives
used to create a tire. The varying lengths and banking of IndyCar Series tracks require
different compounds.
Toe – Refers to the alignment of the front and rear tires. If tires point inward, the alignment is
called “toe-in;” if outward, it is called “toe-out.” Correct toe settings are essential in order to
maximize grip, and generally change from track to track.
Tow/drafting – As a car moves around the track at 220 mph, it literally splits the air, some
of which goes over the car, and some of which goes beneath. This lack of air behind the car
creates a vacuum, which a trailing car may use to be pulled, or “towed,” by the lead car.
Victory Lane – The location of post-race celebration for the race winner. The Indianapolis
500 Victory Lane and post-race celebration was developed circa 1919 and took place at the
south end of the main straightaway. It moved to its current location in 1971. Today, the
circular Victory Podium is located in front of the Bombardier Learjet Pagoda and is used for
both pre- and post-race festivities.
Wave off – The process by which a team forfeits a qualification attempt. A driver or team
can “wave off” an attempt any time before the start of the fourth and final lap in the attempt.
If the run is waved off before the car takes the green flag, it does not count as one of the three
allowed attempts for that car. Once the green flag is waved to start the attempt, the run counts
as one attempt, even if it’s waved off.
Weight jacker – A hydraulic cylinder the driver uses to adjust car handling from the car’s
cockpit while racing. The cylinder compresses or extends springs, which transfers the car’s
weight distribution from one side of the car to the other, thereby adjusting the car’s handling
to the driver’s liking.
Wicker bill – A long, narrow, removable spoiler made of steel, aluminum or carbon fiber on
the trailing edge of the front and rear wings which varies in height, creating downforce.
Teams will use different sized wicker bills to create more or less downforce. The larger
(higher) the wicker bill, the greater the downforce, and vice versa for smaller wicker bills.
Indy Car Headlines
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THIS SAT! Sept 5th