IndyCar 2024: New Hybrid Era Debuts at Mid-Ohio, Power Unit Unleashes Over 800 Horsepower
The IndyCar Series embarks on a new era as the highly anticipated hybrid power unit makes its official race debut at the iconic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. This innovative technology, developed in collaboration with Chevrolet and Honda, pairs the existing 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine with supercapacitor hybrid technology.
This cutting-edge power unit features a low-voltage (48V) motor generator unit (MGU) connected to an energy storage system (ESS), both housed within the bellhousing between the engine and gearbox. The MGU generates power, which is then stored in the ESS’ 20 supercapacitors. The additional horsepower is deployed through the same motor generator on drivers’ demand.
The hybrid power unit will provide an additional 120-plus horsepower on driver demand, bringing the total possible horsepower to over 800. This significant boost will enhance the on-track action, especially when combined with traditional push-to-pass on road and street circuits.
“The addition of the hybrid system will truly elevate the performance and excitement of the IndyCar Series,” said IndyCar President Jay Frye. “Fans can expect to see even more thrilling battles on the track as drivers utilize the extra power.”
As the IndyCar Series reaches the midpoint of the 2024 season, there have been six different winners in the eight points-paying races: Pato O’Ward (St. Petersburg*), Scott Dixon (Long Beach, Detroit), Scott McLaughlin (Barber), Alex Palou (Indianapolis Road Course, Laguna Seca), Josef Newgarden (Indianapolis 500), and Will Power (Road America). The record for the most different winners in a season is 11, achieved in 2000, 2001, and 2014.
This weekend’s event marks the 41st IndyCar Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Johnny Rutherford won the first IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio in 1980. Scott Dixon, the winningest IndyCar driver at Mid-Ohio with six victories, will look to add to his tally.
Other former winners in the field include Josef Newgarden (2017, 2021), Graham Rahal (2015), Alexander Rossi (2018), Will Power (2020-Race-1), Colton Herta (2020-Race 2), Scott McLaughlin (2022), and Palou (2023). Fifteen drivers have won the race from the pole, with Will Power holding the record for most poles at Mid-Ohio with five.
The IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio will take place on Sunday, July 7, at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Live coverage of the Indy NXT race will begin on Peacock at 11:25 a.m. ET. For full broadcast schedules, entry lists, and more IndyCar news, stay tuned to indycar.com.
IndyCar 2023 Season Standings
Following the excitement of the Indianapolis 500, the IndyCar standings have seen significant shifts. Will Power leads the points race, with Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and Pato O’Ward rounding out the top five.
Tune in to IndyCar at Mid-Ohio
Catch the IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio on NBC at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 7. Don’t miss the Indy NXT race, streaming live on Peacock at 11:25 a.m. ET. For radio broadcast, tune in to network affiliates, SiriusXM 218, racecontrol.indycar.com, or the IndyCar App.
2024 IndyCar Schedule
The 2024 IndyCar season is shaping up to be an electrifying ride. Mark your calendars for the remaining races, including the iconic Indianapolis 500, Laguna Seca, and the season finale at Long Beach. Stay up-to-date with the latest IndyCar news, schedules, and standings at indycar.com.
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