Reigning five-time IndyCar NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon recently took to the Dallara simulator in order to test out the new aeroscreen set to be implemented into the series in 2020.
The next step in driver head protection was developed in partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies; it consists of a ballistic screen which will be anchored by a titanium framework surrounding the driver.
Its framework will be mounted in three areas around the cockpit to provide enhanced load-bearing capabilities for the car.
Dixon completed several simulated laps around numerous circuits on the IndyCar calendar including Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Barber Motorsports Park and the Long Beach street circuit.
While the polycarbonate screen was not in place for the test, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver said he didn't experience any issues with visibility with regards to the framework, stating it was very similar to the recently introduced AFP device currently on the cars.
"It was very similar to (the AFP)," Dixon told IndyCar.com. "So, everything was pretty smooth. I think every step of the process has been done very well. It’s not throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks.
"Most of it has been proven previously and getting to this portion on the simulator covers a lot of the bases we’ll see when we get to the real world maybe in 30 or 60 days with the first generation. I think the technology game moves very quickly in our sport, and I think IndyCar has always been at the forefront of moving safety additions along.
"I’m very happy to try and help try to push this forward and be one of the drivers that can help define areas that may be tricky. Honestly, it’s been very well done from the get-go and the full process has been well covered in many different areas. So, it’s been pretty easy."
There is currently a planned test set to take place with the aeroscreen at IMS in September, set to be completed with a heating element and tear-offs, as well as a cockpit-cooling ducts designed by Dallara in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
