IndyCar has announced the distribution of an updated rear-wheel bearing retaining nut to all participants in this weekend’s double-header oval event at Iowa Speedway. The new part, which will be mandatory for use, boasts a 60 percent increase in strength compared to its previous design.
This development comes in response to a thorough examination of a safety incident that occurred during the Indy 500. The incident involved the left-rear wheel assembly of Kyle Kirkwood’s Andretti Autosport car detaching after a collision with Felix Rosenqvist’s spinning Arrow McLaren car at high speed. As a result of the impact, the wheel flew over the debris fencing, fortunately without injuring anyone. However, it caused significant damage to a road car located between the grandstands on the outside of Turn 2. In recognition of this incident, Indianapolis Motor Speedway presented the owner of the damaged car, Robin Matthews, with a brand-new Chevrolet Equinox.
Jay Frye, the president of IndyCar, expressed gratitude towards Dallara, the manufacturer of the updated part, stating, “Dallara continues to be a tremendous partner of the IndyCar Series.” Frye highlighted the meticulous review process undertaken by Dallara, which included an extensive recreation of the incident at the company’s headquarters in Italy. Emphasizing the importance of safety, Frye added, “IndyCar takes safety very seriously. This update is an important step in making sure an incident like this does not happen again.”
The investigation into the Indy 500 incident revealed that the wheel tether system, which utilizes high-performance Zylon material, did not fail. IndyCar had previously mandated the use of this system, making it the first racing sanctioning body in the United States to do so. Stefano dePonti, the CEO of Dallara, emphasized the commitment shared by his company and IndyCar to maintain and continuously improve safety standards. After conducting a detailed analysis of the accident, dePonti and IndyCar concluded that the outcome resulted from an extraordinary and unprecedented combination of circumstances. Nevertheless, they collaborated to develop and produce new components that would reinforce the corner’s strength in the unlikely event of a similar sequence of events.
The introduction of the updated rear-wheel bearing retaining nut highlights the dedication of IndyCar and its partners to prioritizing the safety of drivers, spectators, and the public. By enhancing the strength of this vital component, the risk of wheel detachment incidents is significantly reduced. This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment of the racing community to continually improving safety measures and minimizing the occurrence of unfortunate accidents.
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