IndyCar released its 2014 testing regulations on Wednesday afternoon, announcing that teams will be allotted a total of 18 testing days, effective immediately through the end of next season, with the chance to earn additional dates through testing Indy Lights Series drivers.
IndyCar releases 2014 testing regulations
IndyCar Series teams can test up to 18 times for the 2014 season but could earn more dates by placing an Indy Lights Series driver in the cockpit.
Robert Laberge
An IndyCar team can score an additional two dats of testing by putting a Lights Series drivers through their paces, a plan seemingly designed to encourage teams to maximize the value of the Mazda Road to Indy program.
Additionally, new entries for the 2014 season will be given four extra off-season test days to get acclimated to the tour. This is in addition to the 18 dates that returning entrieswill receive.
Any combination of manufacturer, tire, open, straight-line or wind-tunnel tests will count towards the 18 allowed dates.
“Our objective was to structure the testing rules so that everybody had equal opportunity and an equal number of days,” said Derrick Walker, president, competition and operations, IndyCar. “Rather than IndyCar designating specific numbers for each category of testing, the onus is on teams to utilize days as they feel is best for their individual program.”
IndyCar also provided the following bulletpoints in reference to open and manufacturer tests, respectively.
Open Tests will be held at three venues that host 2014 IndyCar Series events:
- Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., will be the site of spring training on Monday, March 17, and Tuesday, March 18, for the second consecutive year. Spring training is mandatory for all Leaders Circle entrants.
- The newly modified Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course will host an Open Test on Wednesday, April 30, in advance of the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis.
- The 2-mile Auto Club Speedway oval will host an Open Test on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in advance of the 500-mile season finale under the lights.
Engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda have five on-track test days. Mileage amassed while using a manufacturer development engine does not count against a team's maximum of 10,000 miles during team tests, Open Tests and race events in a calendar year.
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