The great equalizer

When IndyCar debuted aero kits in 2015, the debut race at St. Pete was a shocking mess of broken parts and pieces that flew off cars at any contact. The series began work in 2016 on a universal kit that began with aesthetics and built performance elements around the look of the car. By designing a sleek vehicle, less wake is created on the track and can lead to increased natural passing. The trailing distance has been reduced and the downforce is generated from bottom of the car. It’s supposed to be difficult to drive, but also is supposed to balance the field.

At St. Pete, the winning driver came from Dale Coyne Racing. Graham Rahal was second. James Hinchcliffe, teammate to Wickens at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, was fourth. Honda drivers swept the first six spots and placed eight in the top 10.

Rossi, for Andretti Autosport, was third and the highest-finishing driver from one of IndyCar’s “top teams.” Not only did drivers from Team Penske or Chip Ganassi Racing fail to podium, they didn’t even lead a single lap.

Ryan Hunter-Reay was forced to pit at the start of the race when his car didn’t accelerate, but he rallied for a fifth-place finish for Andretti. Scott Dixon was penalized twice and came back to finish sixth for Ganassi.

The cream will still rise to the top, but the gap throughout the field should be much tighter with this car.