IndyCar sets new track limit rule at COTA
Ahead of this weekend’s IndyCar Classic, the series’ first race at Circuit of The Americas, series officials have decided to allow drivers to use the run-off area exiting Turn 19 in order to reduce track limits controversies.

The wide expanse of run-off at Turn 19 allows drivers to carry more speed exiting the turn, and reduce lateral friction on the right-front tire by attacking it at a shallower angle.
The latter issue could become crucial given the length of the track – COTA is the second longest track in IndyCar – and the predicted rate at which the softer alternate compound Firestones will go off.
In terms of speed, going through this runoff area is reckoned by teams and drivers to improve lap times by 0.2-0.3sec, although it also adds the peril of the tires picking up dirt before braking for Turn 20.
Max Papis, who along with fellow ex-IndyCar race winner Arie Luyendyk advises series race director Kyle Novak in Race Control, explained to Motorsport.com that “the intent of IndyCar has been to not have to enforce track limits when it’s not needed.
“We have analyzed every corner and what we always look at is, ‘Does it affect competition?’ and ‘Does it affect safety?’ We are not going to do something that will affect safety – there are certain parameters we have to keep in play.
“Because we are not implementing track limits does not mean a driver can push another driver off the track, just because there’s asphalt instead of gravel there; we will monitor it very closely.
“During the test there was not a factor that suggested running beyond the curb would give a clear advantage. So it was decided that if you see someone run behind the curb exiting Turn 19, their lap will still count. We’re all about consistency and predictability and we’ve been putting a lot of thought behind it.
“But that is the only part of the track where you will see people deliberately running beyond the curb. Like I said, the asphalt beyond the curb is not supposed to be used for improving speed, it’s for improving safety.
“So compared to F1, at the hairpin [Turn 11] we’ve added two bumps, because what we saw in testing was that you could miss the hairpin, run wide, and still have no speed penalty. So we put two bumps there so that if you are missing the corner for whatever reason, you will not gain any advantage.”

COTA IndyCar: Power leads Rosenqvist in second practice
Power, Rosenqvist: Tire degradation will boost racing at COTA

Latest news
Why the 2022 IndyCar title fight is Penske vs. Ganassi… yet again
There have been wins, poles and promise from others, but the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series championship battle has distilled down to Team Penske vs. Chip Ganassi Racing. A principal from each told David Malsher-Lopez what has elevated their teams beyond their rivals.
Kirkwood, Foyt land backing from Bommarito Automotive Group
The AJ Foyt Racing-Chevrolet of Kyle Kirkwood will be backed by the title sponsor of the next IndyCar round at Gateway’s World Wide Technology Raceway, the Bommarito Automotive Group.
Nashville winner Dixon feared his race was ruined by shunt
Scott Dixon was convinced that car damage had ended his hopes of victory, before working his way to the front and clinging on for his 53rd win.
Newgarden unrepentant over Grosjean Nashville IndyCar clash
Josef Newgarden said “Welcome to IndyCar” in response to his clash with Romain Grosjean, while teammate Will Power felt lucky to finish the race after his gearbox was damaged in a clash.
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and series sophomore Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How Marcus Ericsson finally unlocked his potential in IndyCar
Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a breakout year in the IndyCar Series in 2021, winning twice and finishing sixth in points with Chip Ganassi Racing. How did he finally unlock the potential that was masked by five years of toil in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber/Alfa Romeo?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing win
Saturday, Oct. 16th, marks the 10th anniversary Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500.
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Jack Harvey’s move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate, but their combined strength could prove golden, says David Malsher-Lopez.
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong résumé and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear. By David Malsher-Lopez.
2021 IndyCar title is just the start for Ganassi's newest star
Alex Palou has captured Chip Ganassi Racing's 14th IndyCar drivers' championship, and in truly stellar manner. David Malsher-Lopez explains what made the Palou-Ganassi combo so potent so soon.
Why Grosjean's oval commitment shows he's serious about IndyCar
One of motorsport’s worst-kept secrets now out in the open, and Romain Grosjean has been confirmed as an Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver in 2022. It marks a remarkable turnaround after the abrupt end to his Formula 1 career, and is a firm indication of his commitment to challenge for the IndyCar Series title
IndyCar’s longest silly-season is still at fever pitch
The 2021 IndyCar silly season is one of the silliest of all, but it’s satisfying to see so many talented drivers in play – including Callum Ilott. David Malsher-Lopez reports.