Dixon tests IndyCar safety
IndyCar champion Scott Dixon has given the new safety measures to be introduced a pass mark after testing them on a simulator in Indianapolis.
IndyCar has partnered with the technology arm of the Red Bull Formula One team to improve cockpit protection following the introduction of the Advanced Frontal Protection (AFP).
Dixon put the new aeorscreen, a system that hovers above and around the driver like a halo, through tests using the tracks at Indy, Texas, Iowa, Barber and Long Beach.
‘‘Everything went smoothly . . . no issues,’ Dixon said of the new equipment which will feature next season.
Additions to the hardware included cooling pieces and a screen anti-fog system, with Dixon crucially checking that the driver’s line of sight wasn’t impeded by any of these.
He felt the low profile of the IndyCar driver’s seating helped disassociate from the overhead additions.
‘‘To be honest, it felt very like the current car, visually, where you look out at the AFP [Advance Frontal Protection device],’’ Dixon said.
‘‘Honestly, I think it’s going to be almost exactly the same as what we have. Unless you look up, and look where you [normally] don’t, you’re not going to notice it.
‘‘The AFP is [already] pretty high and this is exactly where your line of sight currently is – the new system is exactly the same thickness.
‘‘Getting in the car is the only difference that we’ll notice, and once you’re belted in, visually it will be almost exactly the same.
‘‘Distortion and visuals is the biggest thing for any driver, making sure that it’s not going to impede your vision or there being a possibility of you not seeing something as quick as you normally would, or not seeing the flagstand.
‘‘But those are all ticked off – no issues there.’’
Dixon survived a terrifying crash at the 2017 Indy500 that saw his car flip.
Dixon is fourth in this year’s title race with the 11th of 17 races set for Toronto on July 15.