IndyCar: Iowa identifies five pressing problems that require attention
The “boring” IndyCar doubleheader at Iowa Speedway brought to light some persistent problems that the sport still faces and which require attention.
- Overcoming the Challenges Highlighted by the Iowa IndyCar Doubleheader
- Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, IndyCar
Alex Palou, a driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, described the Iowa Speedway IndyCar doubleheader as “the most boring thing I’ve ever done,” as reported by Autosport. The disappointing Hy-Vee Doubleheader Weekend was marred by several factors.
Currently, IndyCar faces numerous critical issues, many of which were underscored by last weekend’s event at the 0.894-mile (1.438-kilometer) oval in Newton, Iowa.
Here are five major concerns, plus one that might finally be resolved.
- Lack of Passing
Santino Ferrucci was a standout, as without his efforts, the weekend’s races would have been dull, single-file processions.
The track was repaved to enhance NASCAR races in June, which it did. However, there were concerns about the impact on the IndyCar weekend.
Despite some optimism about a second lane developing, it didn’t materialize. There were no on-track lead changes across 500 laps.
NASCAR Influence
The repaving at Iowa is another instance of NASCAR-centric changes negatively affecting an IndyCar race track.
The application of PJ1 traction compound at Texas Motor Speedway in the early 2020s led to several lackluster IndyCar races. Improvements were seen in 2022 and 2023, but the changes at Iowa, aimed at NASCAR, have not been beneficial for IndyCar. Fresh tires, once crucial at Iowa, showed no degradation last weekend.
- Lack of Initiative
Despite Texas Motor Speedway hosting a great race last year, it is absent from this year’s IndyCar schedule, leaving only one superspeedway race.
IndyCar has a history of removing successful superspeedways like Auto Club Speedway and Pocono Raceway from the schedule without returning to them.
Apart from the incidents at Barber Motorsports Park and the streets of Detroit, only the Indy 500 has been truly exciting this season.
Superspeedway racing, once a highlight of IndyCar, is becoming rare. The only new addition to the 2025 schedule is the Thermal Club road course, despite its lackluster performance in 2024.
While Hy-Vee promotes Iowa well, the grandstands were not full. IndyCar often plays second fiddle to concerts and other events.
Pocono and Michigan International Speedway have reduced their NASCAR commitments. IndyCar needs to take action.
- Lack of Parity
Calling IndyCar the most competitive racing series is questionable. The issue is not the lack of parity itself, but the insistence on pretending it exists.
Two teams have won 14 of the last 15 races, with the exception being a Mid-Ohio race where a pit issue gave Pato O’Ward the lead.
Iowa had two new track winners, but it was still a Team Penske sweep. Even Formula 1 has more competition at the front, with four teams vying for wins.
O’Ward won in St. Petersburg this season, but only after Josef Newgarden was disqualified weeks later. Everyone knows Newgarden likely would have won regardless.
- Hybrid Era Challenges
The hybrid era in IndyCar has not been impressive. There have been no lead changes in three races, although no polesitter has won due to pit issues and bad luck.
The added weight of the cars is a major factor in the lack of passing, though this may improve over time. The Mid-Ohio race was far from the “classic” it was touted as.
Iowa qualifying was a mess, a predictable outcome of implementing a major change mid-season. Despite this, the hybrid era is often praised, with little room for criticism.
- Hope: Improved Race Control
One positive from the weekend was better race control. Will Power’s win, moving from 22nd to 19th due to strategic pit stops, exemplified how races should be managed.
IndyCar has previously delayed yellow flags to allow pit cycles to complete, a practice that is both manipulative and hazardous. It’s crucial to issue caution flags based on conditions, ensuring fair and safe races.