Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 2018

This year marks the  the 44th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  It is one of the most prestigious street race circuits in the world as well as the longest running street course in North America.

2018 introduces a change in IndyCar with a spec series type of car, called NEXT.  The chassis will be manufactured by Dallara with the 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engines provided by either Chevrolet or Honda.  Major changes include the removal of the rear wheel guards, two different sets of wings depending on superspeedway use or not, more down force provided from below the car, and more forward weight distribution from previous designs.  The cars are sleeker and are definitely safer than previous generations.  Based upon the early races of this year, there seems to be less down force since the removal of the rear tire guards.  The drivers will need to adjust to the new handling characteristics especially on this grueling two mile course.