PPG Paints IndyCar Series

The PPG Paints IndyCar Series is an A-Level sanctioned SMA series, formed in 2020. It runs using the NFF IR18 Aeroscreen bodies on the game “NR2003”. The 2020 championship was won by Sample Text and the Panoz team, whilst 2021 was won by Akira Saito.

## Technical and Operating Regulations:

The PPG Paints IndyCar Series is notable for having ran a different body and aero package in every season of its existence.

### Engine Regulations:

Several manufacturers told SMA management they had interest in their own engine development, and the SMA management made it clear this would come soon and outlined the engine regulations they would need to follow. These have remained consistent through every generation of aerokit.

* 3.1-litre V8 pushrod engines, naturally aspirated
* Rev-limited to 9000RPM
* Usual power output: 680hp

Only Lighthouse, Chevrolet, Cosworth and Honda have made engines.

### Chassis and Aerokit Regulations:

#### 2020:

The 2020 cars were completely spec, with all components designed and supplied by the Polyphony company of Japan, except the engines, which were made by the German Lighthouse company. The aerokits were standardised and ran on all tracks, with only wing angle and ride height changes permitted. This made the teams very equal, but due to the complexity of the aerokits and the wake created, made the racing stale.

* Dimensions: 190in x 78in, Wheelbase 123in
* Car minimum weights: 1,400 lbs

#### 2021:

With the introduction of manufacturer engine and aerokit development came new aerokit rules, and a new spec chassis. Lotus, Honda, and Chevrolet produced aerokits of their own, all three being mostly similar, in appearance and performance, although the Lotus aerokit seemed to be lagging behind on the ovals. Aerokit development was surprisingly unpopular, with most manufacturers far more interested in engine and chassis development. One of the reasons was that oval and road course aerokits were now different, which lead to a vast cost increase for development. Whilst 35 cars attempted that year’s Indy 500, many teams were put under pressure by the rising costs.

* Dimensions:
	+ Road courses: 201.7in x 75.5 in
	+ Ovals: 197.3in x 76.5 in
* Car minimum weights: 1,950 lbs

##### Safety:

The new chassis was larger and inherently safer, with far more developed crash structures and mass dampers designed to reduce impacts. It was the most advanced car safety-wise in SMA history, although it would see the SMA’s first fatality since the 2010 California 200 when Peter Onjack received a fatal head injury in the 2021 Indianapolis 500. That Justin Tipuric survived that same accident led to the safety improvements being deemed a success, with Onjack’s death deemed a freak incident.

#### 2022:

For 2022, more setup freedom has been allowed, and a new aerokit has been introduced. The aerokit is spec, designed to reduce costs and improve the racing product.

* Dimensions:
	+ Road courses: 199.4in x 75.5 in
	+ Ovals: 192.3in x 75.5 in
* Car minimum weights: 1,720 lbs

##### Aeroscreen:

The most apparent feature of the new aerokit is the ‘aeroscreen’, a new canopy over the cockpit designed to prevent injuries like Onjack’s fatal crash. This is in co-ordination with the ‘Halo’ device being introduced in the Asia-Pacific Super Series, European F4 series and Tourtel F2 series. British F4 will add the ‘Halo’ for 2023.

## Series History:

### 2020 - A shortened year:

The season began at Laguna Seca, where Sample Text led every lap from pole on course to win. This was a shock, with a very promising and competitive field being crushed by an unknown rookie. There were safety concerns over the following race at Daytona, but these proved unfounded, with only a single spin and no DNFs among the field. Mason Baskers led the majority of the race but was beaten by Sample Text on a last lap pass. Willow Springs was a similar story, with 2019 APSS champion Trinity Ida dominating, but being passed on the final lap by, once again, Sample Text. The arrival of the ’pandemic’ ground the series to a halt, and it was not able to be restarted that winter, leaving Sample Text champion.

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### 2021:

The new rule changes had led to a larger field, but with some notable omissions, including the championship winning team from 2020, Panoz-Hemelgarn. The first race, on the streets of St. Petersburg, was won by former-F1CE driver Jakob Andersen in the Lotus, giving the manufacturer great hope for their IndyCar campaign. Unfortunately, an acute lack of pace leading to a DNF and last-placed finish at Homestead crushed these hopes. Akira Saito, formerly of the short-lived Red Bull X-Formula, won the race, then won again in Gateway, and a third time in Kansas, asserting his status as championship favourite. The first road course of the season was the Indianapolis Road Course layout. Sample Text, having a muted season so far, led for most of the race, but in a twist of fate, was passed on a late-race restart by Amund Bjolheim, who took the win.

#### Indy 500:

The Indy 500 was set to be an exciting affair, with 35 entries and 2 DNQs. Shockingly, one of the DNQs was last year’s points runner-up finisher, Trinity Ida. The race got underway with the Andretti team in a commanding position, with all 4 of their full-time entries and a 5th car, the #28 of Sebastian Deu’Pain, running towards the front. However, on lap 11 (check please), tragedy struck. Peter Onjack and Justin Tipuric collided in turn 3 and spun into the inside wall, with Tipuric’s right front wheel striking Onjack’s head. Tipuric slid back onto the track, collecting Cosimu Orru, Conner Haun, and others. 4 drivers were airlifted to hospital. Dylan Trieste was released with a minor foot injury, Justin Tipuric had rib and vertebrae injuries that would end his season, Conner Haun had leg injuries that would end his career, whilst, aged just 20 years old, Peter Onjack was pronounced dead on arrival. The race did not restart, and a 4-lap tribute was held, with car number 17 on top of the scoring tower.

#### The Season Resumes:

After the tragedy of Onjack’s death, the series vowed to prevent the close quarters “pack” racing seen at Indianapolis from happening again. The next race was Richmond, a late replacement of Iowa, which was deemed unsafe by the Professional Driver’s Association. Bjolheim won in Richmond, then took his third of the year at Motegi, to give him the points lead. Montreal was a chaotic race, with an underdog winner, as Tonis Ironus took his first career victory. Trinity Ida won in Road America as controversy ensued when Scott Speed and Akira Saito collided on pit road. Bjolheim took yet more points out of Saito, suddenly looking like the inevitable champion. Old Spice was a controversial turning point, as late contact between Casey Wells and Amund Bjolheim led to a penalty for Bjolheim, dropping him down the order. Akira Saito won the race for his 4th of the year, giving him the points lead back again heading into the final race at Auto Club. Sample Text won, with Saito a non-factor, but his finish was enough to secure him the championship by 19 points.

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### 2022:

The field continued to grow under the new rules for the 2022 season. Sample Text dominated the season opener in St. Petersburg, attempting to re-assert his status as the best in the field. Andretti Autosport ran 1-2-3 in the closing stages at Road America, but two engine failures saw Ida and Bjolheim drop out, paving the way for Dylan Trieste's biggest win. Deu'Pain won his first career IndyCar race at Homestead, before Saito returned to form in Chicagoland. Noah Kim won the Indy Road Course round, making it 5 winners in 5 races.

#### Indy 500:

34 entries for the 2022 Indianapolis 500, with Chad Myers in the Carlin #59 the sole DNQ. Akira Saito started on pole. Saito and Bjolheim shared the lead in the early stages, before a late caution after Dylan Trieste's suspension failed, injuring his wrist. Bjolheim took the lead on the restart, before being passed by Trinity Ida. Saito put pressure on late, but Ida held on and was able to take the victory, a surprising result considering her DNQ in 2021.

The season resumed in Mexico City, where Amund Bjolheim held off Zachary DiLello for the victory. By this point, there had been 7 winners in 7 races. That fact changed at Richmond - Tipuric led for much of the race, but was overhauled late by Bjolheim, who took a second win in a row. Saito won again in Gateway, before Bjolheim took his third in 4 races at a crash-affected Kansas race. Text won following a very bold strategy call in Sturgeon Bay, before Zachary DiLello added an IndyCar race win to his resumé in Surfers' Paradise. Grayson Light took a shock win in Phoenix, leading up to the season finale at Auto Club with three drivers still in the hunt. Saito raced well, needing to win, but was overhauled late by Scott Speed, filling in for a concussed Justin Tipuric. Speed's victory gave Sample Text his second IndyCar title.

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