Dallara creates new chassis for IndyCar; should be on tracks in 18 months

Dallara creates new chassis for IndyCar

INDIANAPOLIS — Dallara has won the competition to create the new IndyCar chassis and maybe give the series a little buzz.

Cars will feature a rolling chassis with an enhanced safety cell, and manufacturers will be able to be dress the cars in multiple ways.

IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said Wednesday that the cars will be ready to go for the 2012 season.

The decision falls in line with Bernard’s goal to create more excitement in the series and cut costs for the teams. Since coming to IndyCar from the Professional Bull Riders Association in February, he has made dramatic changes that include adding oval and street/road course championships to the season and creating competition for the future engine package.

IndyCar considered opening the series up to multiple chassis and five companies bid on the new chassis. In the end, IndyCar went back to Dallara — the same company that created the current chassis, which has been used since 2003.

The new chassis will cost $349,000 each, with a complete car costing $385,000. It is a 45 percent price decrease from the current formula.

Each team can race two different aero kits from any manufacturer during the season, with a maximum price of $70,000 for each kit.

Dallara, based in Parma, Italy, also announced that will expand its operations to Speedway, Ind., where the chassis will be built. The new location will be the racing company’s only operation outside of Italy.