A majority of IndyCar’s 2024 roster completed the final day of a three-day test on Wednesday, the first preseason test of the new year.
Ten teams were allowed to test one car each around the Homestead-Miami Speedway road course, with free choice given to which drivers were behind the wheel.
The purpose of the test was to give teams a chance to try out the new components that are set to be introduced this season, including a redesigned Aeroscreen and lighter components related to the planned introduction of hybrid components.
The hybrid systems themselves were not fitted to the cars for the test, resembling the configuration all cars will run for the first portion of the season. The hybrid components are still scheduled to be introduced roughly halfway through the 2024 campaign, though a defined date has not been decided upon.
In all, over 20 different drivers hopped behind the wheel of the ten cars over the course of the three days, giving many a chance to brush off the cobwebs from a lengthy off season.
Included in the testing were a couple drivers that do not yet have confirmed seats for 2024.
Jack Harvey climbed behind the wheel of the Dale Coyne Racing entry on both Monday and Tuesday, working to give the team valuable feedback on the new components.
Nolan Seigel then hopped in the #18 car for the third day of the test, sampling the powerful car before returning to Daytona to compete in the Daytona 24 Hours this upcoming weekend.
Neither DCR nor Harvey have their plans for next season announced yet, and the two could well come to an agreement before the opening round, while Seigel will return for another season in IndyNXT.
Although times were unofficially tracked, the series does not visit Homestead-Miami Speedway during the season and there were many items being tested by the teams.
The goal was more about learning the characteristics of the car with the new components and less about raw lap times than usual.
Some teams will stay behind in Florida following the test, as a full hybrid system test is scheduled to take place on the track next week.
There are a few teams have still yet to sample the full upgrade package, which IndyCar officials are working to have finalized and available as soon as possible.
With some teams not staying for the test next week, it appears that milestone will have to wait a little longer yet.
