IndyCar Mandates New Carbon Fiber Safety Flaps For 2026 Indianapolis 500 To Prevent Airborne Crashes

New 2026 IndyCar safety rules mandate carbon fiber flaps for the Indy 500. Learn how Dallara's aero updates aim to stop airborne spins at the Brickyard.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 24, 2026, 9:32 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Motorsport Week

Dallara Partnership Produces Innovative Lift Mitigation Technology

IndyCar officials have finalized a technical mandate requiring the installation of advanced carbon fiber flaps on the rear tire ramps for the upcoming superspeedway season. This development is the result of a collaborative engineering effort with chassis manufacturer Dallara to address the aerodynamic instability that occurs when a car rotates during a high speed accident. According to Tino Belli, IndyCar Director of Aerodynamic Development Engineering, the new components are designed to hinge at the front and lift upward when the car reaches a critical yaw angle, effectively spoiling the air that would otherwise create dangerous upward force.

Computational Testing Validates Significant Reduction In Aerodynamic Lift

The implementation of these safety devices follows an extensive period of computational fluid dynamics testing aimed at simulating 180 degree spins at speeds exceeding 230 MPH. The data revealed that the deployment of the flaps decreases the likelihood of a car becoming airborne by nearly nine percent compared to previous aerodynamic configurations. Series leadership emphasized that while no single measure can eliminate all risks associated with superspeedway racing, this particular update represents an effectual advancement in keeping vehicles grounded during the most violent types of spins encountered at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Mandatory Implementation Scheduled For April Open Test Sessions

Teams will be required to utilize the new tire ramp flaps for every official session at the 2.5 mile oval, beginning with the scheduled open test on April 28 and 29. The mandate extends through all practice and qualifying periods, as well as the race itself, ensuring that every car on the grid is equipped with the same protective hardware. This universal requirement prevents any team from gaining a competitive aerodynamic advantage by opting out of the safety features, as the flaps are nearly as wide as the rear tires and significantly alter the profile of the rear bodywork.