IndyCar’s recent test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway wasn’t just for show it was a mission to smooth out the bumps and sharpen the stops that have plagued the series at the iconic 2.5-mile oval. The freshly repaved Turn 2, which had suffered from an infamous bump caused by decades-old brickwork pushing through the surface, was put through the wringer by drivers including Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward. Their verdict? The new surface eliminates that dreaded jolt, promising closer racing when the green flag drops at the 110th Indy 500.
But the test went deeper than pavement. Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato, both Indy 500 winners, tackled new brake and damper packages designed specifically for oval racing. The brakes are smaller, lighter, and react faster critical when decelerating from over 200 mph into the pit lane. For too long, brake drag and inconsistent pedal feel have cost precious seconds and nerves. Now, thanks to these upgrades, drivers report solid pedal response without the old need to “pump” the brakes mid-race.
IndyCar President Doug Boles revealed the repaving was a long-overdue fix. The bump’s steady growth raised concerns it could affect the upcoming race’s quality. The repaving and surface refinements combined with the brake overhaul aim to keep the racing close, the pit stops clean, and the spectacle thrilling.
The drivers’ praise for these changes hints at an Indy 500 with fewer road hazards and more wheel-to-wheel battles.
In 2026, when the series returns to IMS, expect a smoother track, sharper brakes, and a race that lives up to the hype, thanks to this careful, data-driven test run.
