IndyCar is pressing ahead with its plans to implement the aeroscreen for 2020, with IndyCar president Jay Frye believing it will "set the standard for driver safety".
The aeroscreen is IndyCar's answer to Formula 1's halo device, but features a windscreen for added protection and whilst it's been in development for many years, it's only taken a major step towards becoming reality following the partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, which is working with the series on developing the aeroscreen.
Frye called the partnership a "game-changer" and confirmed the plans to introduce it are still on track for next season with on-track tests set to take place next month.
"We've been working on this aero screen since 2016, so I guess you'd call this an overnight sensation," said Frye. "But the real game-changer for us this past year was when we partnered with Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
"There's been no stone unturned on this program, this project, from driver cooling, driver expectation, clarity, glare, impact. It's amazing what they've been able to do in a very short period of time.
"We believe this is an industry-changing total safety solution for driver cockpit protection. We're very excited to get it on the track because we always say the data doesn't drive, drivers drive, so the next step in the process is to get it on track and see where we're at," he said.
"The first test will be coming up at IMS on October 2nd. We'll go to Barber on October 7 and Richmond on 10/15. So it's a very aggressive schedule, but the ball is in motion for a 2020 implementation.
"So again, we think this is going to be something that's going to really set the standard on driver safety. We're excited about it. We really appreciate what all Red Bull has done. There's been a lot of people involved and we're excited about the future of that."
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