IndyCar Delays Aluminum Wheels Introduction to 2027 Season
The switch from magnesium to aluminum wheels in IndyCar has been postponed until at least 2027, potentially aligning with the series' next chassis introduction. This decision was finalized during the pre-season team managers meeting in early February.
Hand holding Firestone racing tire
The proposed change to aluminum wheels aims to achieve two key objectives:
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Cost Reduction: Aluminum wheels are less expensive than the current magnesium versions, which have been standard since the CART IndyCar Series era.
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Enhanced Safety: The transition would eliminate the 'aero lip' on front wheels, which can break into dangerous shards upon impact with hard objects.
The current magnesium wheels, while lighter, are more brittle than their aluminum counterparts. This characteristic has raised safety concerns among team managers and officials, particularly regarding the front wheel aero lip design used by some vendors.