By Josh Farmer

Longtime INDYCAR chassis manufacturer Dallara will produce the Verizon IndyCar Series universal body kits which will debut in 2018.

The 2018 kit will replace the Chevrolet and Honda aero kits which have been used since 2015. The car’s main draw is generating downforce from the bottom of the car rather than the topside. This will reduce air turbulence and assist in overtaking. Other features include safety structures in the sidepods which will reduce the severity of impacts.

“This has been a collaborative effort from multiple parties, including input from our paddock and fans,” said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations.

“Dallara has been a great partner, and we couldn’t be more enthused with the look, the safety enhancements and the performance objectives of the 2018 car.”

2018 will also mark the 20th season of Dallara’s involvement in Indy car racing, while serving as the sole supplier since 2008.

“2017 marks the 20th anniversary of our presence in INDYCAR, and it is a great honor for us to continue our partnership with the Verizon IndyCar Series,” said Andrea Pontremoli, Dallara CEO and general manager. “Our main goal for the new aero kit was to work on the style, trying to maintain the American essence of the car and the series keeping a good level of performance and safety.”

The kit will make its on-track debut on July 25-26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A road course test will follow at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Aug. 1, one day after the series’ race at the track. Two additional tests at Iowa Speedway (Aug. 28) and the Sebring International Raceway (Sept. 26) are also scheduled.