If you think today's IndyCars are fast at Phoenix... The one-mile Phoenix Raceway oval has become a stage for stark contrasts between NASCAR’s Cup Series and IndyCar’s high-speed spectacle, as fans witness the dramatic differences in speed and performance between the two racing series. During the Good Ranchers 250, Team Penske’s David Malukas secured pole position in the No. 12 Chevy with a two-lap average of 175.3mph, while Cup drivers will wait until Saturday to qualify for their Sunday race. For context, Denny Hamlin’s pole in the November championship-deciding race averaged 133.7mph, highlighting a 41.6mph gap in average speed and a 6.5-second difference in lap times. For newer IndyCar fans, these numbers may seem staggering, but a look back at the series’ history reveals how much the DW12 has evolved. During the 2016-18 manufacturer aero kit era, Helio Castroneves set a record pole in the No. 3 Chevy at 194.9mph, a 19.6mph increase over Malukas’ current pace and 61.2mph faster than Hamlin’s November lap. Castroneves also completed the lap in 18.7 seconds, outpacing Malukas by 2.6 seconds and Hamlin by 8.2. The technical differences between the 2016-17 aero kit era and today’s rules are significant. The introduction of the aeroscreen cockpit safety device in 2020 added over 100 pounds of weight, while the adoption of hybridization with an energy recovery system in 2024 pushed the DW12’s minimum weight to its highest level since rear-engine designs became standard in the 1960s. These changes were implemented to prioritize tire safety and longevity, as the high speeds and increased weight put immense stress on the right-side tires. To address this, engine power was reduced by dialing down turbocharger boost, and downforce was adjusted to make cornering more challenging without lifting the throttle.#david_malukas #team_penske #indycar #denny_hamlin #helio_castroneves
