IndyCar has issued new guidelines forward of tomorrow’s Indianapolis 500 to forestall harmful defensive strikes.
Drivers have pushed their defensive techniques on the exit of the ultimate nook to higher extremes in latest editions of the race by swerving near the barrier which divides the observe from the pit lane.
The ultimate lap of final 12 months’s race noticed some of the dramatic such strikes but, as Josef Newgarden fought to forestall Marcus Ericsson passing him earlier than the ending line. Newgarden pulled properly into the pit lane entrance on the exit of flip 4, then swerved again out once more, passing shut by the blunt finish of the barrier at properly over 350kph.
The change to the rule introduced yesterday will make such strikes unlawful. Drivers have been instructed they have to not cross the dashed line which extends properly earlier than the pit lane entrance with out coming into the pits. These remaining on the pits should due to this fact keep to the right-hand aspect of the road and the barrier’s finish.
“The dashed white line from the exit of flip 4 to the pit entry attenuator will probably be officiated for Sunday’s race,” the collection confirmed in an announcement which was communicated to drivers at a pre-race assembly on Friday. “Vehicles which have left-side tyres previous the dashed line will probably be penalised until getting into the pit lane, for incident avoidance or in an apparent try and keep away from a closed pit lane and return to the racetrack.”
Drivers who break the rule will ordinarily be given a drive-through penalty. If the penalty is issued throughout a Security Automobile interval, they are going to be despatched to the rear of the queue. If the penalty is issued after the race, they are going to be given a time penalty equal to the time misplaced driving by the pits.
IndyCar additionally confirmed the ‘restart line’ used on the closing nook won’t be utilized on the race. Drivers will probably be allowed to renew racing after a Security Automobile interval as soon as the race situation turns into inexperienced once more.
Video: The ultimate lap of the 2023 Indianapolis 500
Advert | Turn out to be a RaceFans supporter and
