This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

New race cars don’t excite me too much especially in a series based on spec formulas. But the new IndyCar revealed for testing last week at Sebring is sensually exciting.
2018 IndyCar
The 2018 aero kit has minimized the batwing brick-a-brac hung on cars after the Dan Wheldon crash in Las Vegas six years ago this month.

Four drivers tested the new design at Sebring including new champion Josef Newgarden. Four-time champion Scott Dixon was also there. All the drivers left Sebring with interesting takes on the experience.

Most said the car would take some learning to drive next season. There’s less downforce in the new aero kit so drivers will need to reach into their toolbox a little deeper. Downforce won’t cover up on track mistakes.

Race craft will be more important and that means the ability to pass will separate the good drivers from the bad.

Less downforce will also put more importance on engineers and race setups. Again, that’ll separate the good from the bad.

Plus, the car’s just beautiful. That alone is a giant step forward for IndyCar.

Peace.