The fact that INDYCAR has signed a multi-year extension with chassis designer and constructor Dallara is, in itself, not a bad thing. Since 1997, Dallara has supplied tubs for the NTT IndyCar Series in all of its iterations, becoming sole constructor in 2008. Dallara’s “driver safety cells” have shown resilience and strength, and have led to many drivers’ abilities to continue to ply their trades after accidents.
INDYCAR and Dallara decided to make this contract extension parallel the agreements with its two engine manufacturers: Chevrolet and Honda. With these three in place, there’s a sense of continuity as the series moves forward with the hybridization of the power units in 2023.
The Italian company has set roots in Indiana. In 2012 Dallara opened a manufacturing factory on Main Street in Speedway, less than half a mile from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, giving it accessibility to most of the teams participating in the NTT IndyCar Series. At this facility Dallara produces and assembles both chassis and parts for INDYCAR, as well as other racing series.
“Dallara is a tremendous partner and instrumental in everything we do on the racetrack,” noted Jay Frye, INDYCAR president. “An important part of the success and growth of the NTT IndyCar Series be directly traced to Dallara’s collaboration with our entire paddock. This extension,” he said, “provides INDYCAR and its teams continuity and a stable platform as we look well into the future.” As is customary, exact terms of the agreement are private.
In addition to producing tubs for INDYCAR, Dallara has, since 2015 also serviced the Indy Lights Series, by designing and constructing its current chassis. The AK-18 universal body kit for INDYCAR, which began production in 2018 and includes many safety items, is produced at the Speedway location. The upcoming 2022 INDYCAR campaign marks Dallara’s 26th consecutive season working with the sanction.
“Dallara is honored to have been part of this journey for 26 years and counting,” noted Andrea Pontremoli, Dallara Group CEO. “We understand the responsibility that comes in extending our partnership with INDYCAR over the course of the years to come, and are excited to be part of this long-term plan. This partnership,” he said, “will continue to fall in line with Dallara’s core values and what we want to see our technology and innovation developed for – adding emphasis to safety and sustainability for the future.”
Prior to Dallara’s takeover as sole chassis maker for INDYCAR, Don Panoz’s G Force also made driver safety cells for the series and captured the 2004 Indianapolis 500 with driver Buddy Rice. Since that time, no chassis maker has entered the series and INDYCAR hasn’t really tried to entice a new constructor. On the other hand, the series is continuing to look for other engine manufacturers to join its two current participants, Chevrolet and Honda.
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