INDYCAR officials on Wednesday approved manufacturer’s lowering of optional underwing sidewalls, but have kept in place planned use of domed skid plates for several upcoming superspeedway races, including the 100th running of the legendary Indianapolis 500.
Here’s the statement from INDYCAR:
“Following extensive data evaluation following the Verizon IndyCar Series aero kit test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 6, INDYCAR is permitting manufacturers to lower the optional underwing sidewalls by 9 millimeters (0.354 of an inch) for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.
“INDYCAR maintains its position spelled out in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series Rule Book mandating the use of domed skid plates and prohibiting the use of underwing strakes on all cars in this year’s Indianapolis 500.”
Domed skids are curved plates attached to the bottom of superspeedway cars, designed to keep cars stuck to the racetrack, thus preventing air to come up from underneath and cause cars to lift off the ground if they are involved in a spin.
In addition to Indianapolis, domed skid plates will also be in place for upcoming races at Texas Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway.