Aero and Safety Studies
Aero evaluation and increased drafting
Central to Lola’s extensive aerodynamic research has been the necessity to guarantee close and exciting racing. Wheel to wheel duels on the variety of circuits that the IZOD IndyCar Series races on will become the norm rather than the exception.
Focusing on the rear under-body of the Lola IndyCar, designers have found a cost effective and simple breakthrough to ensure that there is a minimum wake for following car. This means that drafting and slipstreaming will be in the drivers own hands rather than that of the aerodynamics itself.
Safety Studies
Safety has always been a key part of Lola’s 51-year history with the first of Lola’s three Indy 500 victories coming in 1966 with Graham Hill and the T90.
A program on reducing the susceptibility of a ‘take-off’ scenario has been conducted to further protect drivers and spectators. Lola USA has pinpointed specific areas using CFD methods to ensure a high yaw angle stability is maintained on the car. Less variation to total aero load on the rear wing will be optimized with pitch angle changes.
Enhanced rear crash structures, a long front nose box and increased head protection have also been a focus.