IndyCar Once Again Adjusts Push-To-Pass

The push-to-pass device has once again been adjusted by IndyCar officials ahead this weekend’s GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, with the delay between the drivers’ pressing the button and the activation of the device shortened from 5 to 3.5 seconds. This comes after the delay was first introduced last time out at Mid-Ohio.

The delay in question has been implemented to add a degree of surprise, so as drivers can’t respond by activating their own push-to-pass device in an attempt to defend their position. Each driver will start the race on Sunday with a total of 90 seconds, with a maximum of 15 seconds per activation at their disposal. The device will not recharge once the 90 seconds has been used up, which will undoubtedly see some drivers with more time remaining than others towards the end of the race.

“All parameters of the Push-to Pass system can be tailored to fit any circuit that play host to IZOD IndyCar Series races,” explained IndyCar Director of Engine Development, Trevor Knowles. “Sonoma has shorter straightaways than what we had at Mid-Ohio, so we’ve adjusted the parameters of Push-to-Pass to fit this particular circuit. But the principles for use that were in place for Mid-Ohio have remained the same for Sonoma.”

Push-to-pass was first introduced to the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2009, although it was initially removed ahead of the 2012 season. However, the device was reintroduced at Toronto and will be utilized at the remaining street and road courses this season. The device has already provided many overtaking maneuvers in the last couple of races, and will undoubtably continue to do so as the IZOD IndyCar fraternity prepares to take to the tough Sonoma Raceway this weekend.

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