Alexander Rossi completes first test of IndyCar's new IR-28 chassis at Indianapolis
On 1 August 2026, IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi became the first to pilot the newly designed Dallara IR‑28 chassis on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road‑course. The two‑hour shakedown, part of the development program for a chassis slated to debut in the 2028 season, proceeded despite damp track conditions. Rossi praised the car’s smoothness, reduced vibrations and aggressive appearance, calling the experience “like Christmas morning.”
The IR‑28, which is about 45 kg lighter than the current DW12 and features revised aerodynamics and a revamped cockpit, showed no major technical issues; the only problem reported was the replacement of a single sensor. The test also set the stage for series champion Alex Palou, who is scheduled to run the car the following day. The successful validation moves the program toward further testing before the chassis enters competition in 2028.
Entities: Alex Palou · Alexander Rossi · Dallara · Indianapolis Motor Speedway · IndyCar · Mike O'Gara
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [DISPUTED] The only technical issue encountered during the test was the replacement of a single sensor. (new)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The test lasted roughly 50 minutes to an hour under damp conditions. (new)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The IR-28 chassis will replace the IR-18 chassis and is slated to debut in the 2028 IndyCar season. (new)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The chassis uses a mule 2.4‑liter engine from the planned refresh and does not yet have a hybrid system. (new)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rossi reported the car had smooth performance, minimal vibrations and improved cockpit ergonomics. (new)
- [DISPUTED] Mike O’Gara, IndyCar Vice President of Competition and Race Engineering, said a plumbing issue is being flushed out. (new)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Alexander Rossi was the first driver to test the new Dallara IR-28 chassis at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 1, 2026. (new)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Dallara technicians and crew from Andretti Global, Dreyer & Reinbold, and Ed Carpenter Racing assisted in the test. (new)