Technology used in Indy cars has already found their way to regular car models. Indy car’s technological innovations have helped regular car manufacturers to come up with car models packed with state-of-the-art features. Some of the major Indy car innovations that is now being employed in regular cars these days include:
Aerodynamics: Indy cars have put great emphasis on aerodynamics. Aero drag is vital when it comes to racing speeds since this help Indy cars to run on top speed. Because of this, aerodynamics has been the main focus of Indy car makers. This is evidenced by the steam age stream-lining found in Ray Harroun’s Marmon Wasp (1911 model). Before aerodynamics was only applied in racing cars, but today even regular cars employ aerodynamics to maximize the car’s fuel efficiency by cheating the wind. Car models, like the Honda CR-Z and Toyota Prius, now take advantage of a better understanding of aerodynamics to help provide car users with better fuel economy.
Front Wheel Drive: In 1924, Miller racing cars, which feature engines that sat infront of the car, have successfully won Indy 500 races using front wheel drive. Front wheel drive designs allowed Miller racing cars to offer better stability especially when driving in slippery road conditions. The extra road grip offered by FWD provided racers with greater racing advantage.
Rear View Mirror: Back in the year 1911, it was a common practice for every Indy race car to bring a co-pilot in the car, aside from the driver. The co-pilot is tasked to provide warning to the race driver. However, Ray Harroun didn’t see the benefit of carrying the extra weight in the car. So, he fitted is 1911 Marmon Wasp, with what is considered as the very first model of the rear view mirror. Though, at the time, many believed that this was a dumb and unsafe move, not long after, racers follow suit and so does the car industry.
Four Wheel Hydraulic Breaks: During the first 2 decades in the car industry, automobiles only use breaks on two wheels. At the time, the break system of cars is believed to be purely mechanical. Compared to street drivers, race car drivers have high demands for their breaks. Because of this, in 1921, the first advancement in car breaks has been introduced by Duesenberg Motor Company. During this year, a race car fitted with hydraulic brakes at all four wheels was introduced for the first-time.
Other Indy car technology that is now being employed in the cars we used today include seatbelts, turbo engine, crash data recorders, all-wheel drive and turbo charging.