TRACK TOUR

The paddock (a temporary set-up with tent awnings) or garage (permanent structure) acts as our primary work area for the race weekend. Every team has their own dedicated paddock or garage space. Carlin's paddock typically includes two transporters, setup pads for each car, toolboxes for the mechanics, our allotment of race weekend tires, and crew lunch tables. If the car can't be found out on the track or on pit lane, you'll find it in the paddock! This is where the mechanics use data and setup information from engineers to make adjustments between on-track sessions, check the engine and electronic systems, and fine-tune the chassis.

The transporters move everything, including the actual cars and pit equipment, from our workshop in Delray Beach, Florida to race tracks around the country. After unloading the transporters at the beginning of the event, the inside of the transporters become work spaces for engineers and management staff, as well as a relatively quiet space for drivers to relax in their own lounge area. As a British team, the tea kettle is always on! Learn more about transporters here.

The pit lane is where much of the action takes place! Every car has a dedicated pit box along pit lane, with a timing stand, fuel rig and toolboxes. Our race engineer, race strategist, data acquisition engineer plus a Chevrolet engineer take spots at the timing stand to monitor all incoming information and the race strategy. Thanks to advanced telemetry installed in the car, engineers can monitor tire, steering, and throttle performance from the pit box. Learn more about the pit box here.

The pit lane is also where pit stops take place. During the course of a race, every car will need to come into the pit lane for fuel and new tires at least once. Seven crew members are permitted to go over the pit wall during a live pit stop, to change tires, add fuel, and remove a tear-off from the new cockpit aeroscreen. If all goes well, the pit stop should be completed from start to finish in less than 10 seconds! Learn more about pit stops here.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars are single-seat, open-cockpit race cars. Dallara, the series' exclusive chassis supplier, currently produces a universal aerodynamic bodywork with two configurations: speedway and short oval/road course. The car, made primarily of carbon fiber, weights about 1,600 lbs. The high-tech steering wheels include a dash displaying vital information, a push-to-talk radio button for communication with engineers, a pit speed limiter, a fuel map switch, RPM shift lights, and even a drink button. An aeroscreen was added for the 2020 season for enhanced driver cockpit protection. Our cars can reach speeds of up to 235 miles per hour at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

During every race weekend, all cars will go through five technical inspections, conducted by INDYCAR's technical director and about 15 other officials. This mandatory inspection helps enforce regulations and maintain competitive balance between teams and manufacturers.

The inspection process includes four stations, which focus on different components of the car. During these processes, inspectors will check – among other items – the mandated safety features, chassis underwing, fuel cell, height, weight and width. Learn more about tech inspection here.

INDYCAR teams align with one of two engine manufacturers, Chevrolet or Honda. Carlin has partnered with Chevrolet since our INDYCAR debut in 2018. The 2.2-liter direct injected twin turbo V6 Chevy engines run at 550-700 horsepower. Chevrolet uses the knowledge gained from its INDYCAR program to build better consumer vehicles. Chevrolet assigns one of their own engineers to each race car, and for the most part, teams cannot make modifications to the engines. Each entry can only take possession of one engine at a time, and INDYCAR rules mandate when engines can be replaced. Learn more about Chevrolet's INDYCAR program here.

Firestone, INDYCAR's partner and exclusive tire supplier, brings their own mobile unit to every race as a home base for their engineers and team tire distribution. Firestone provides each entry with approximately 11-15 sets of tires, depending on the event, to use throughout the race weekend. Firestone Firehawk race tires are specifically engineered for the type of course they'll be used on. Oval tracks use just one type of tire, while road and street tracks can use all three types - primary, alternate and rain.

• Primary: The black sidewall primary Firestone race tires offer a competitive balance between speed, cornering, and durability. Firehawk primary tires are used on all three types of track.

• Alternate: Visually differentiated by red sidewalls, Firestone alternate tires have a softer compound than primary tires, allowing for faster speeds and better cornering, but quicker wear. Alternate tires are used on road and street tracks only.

• Rain: These grey sidewall Firestone race tires were developed for wet conditions and use a grooved tread pattern that improves grip, control and helps prevent hydroplaning. Rain tires are used on road and street courses only, as INDYCAR will not run oval races if conditions are wet.

Learn more about Firestone's INDYCAR program here.

Watching multi-million dollar, finely tuned machines race at speeds of 200-plus miles per hour, mere inches from each other and the track wall? Always exciting. But it's more than watching cars drive left in circles! Learn more about the ins and outs of NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing here:

Carlin hosts nearly 1,000 guests at events throughout the racing season. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we have our own suite in the Tower Terrace with views of the front straight and pit lane, plus Turns 1 and 2. We also have a hospitality unit, which acts as a mobile suite for entertaining guests.

All photos courtesy of Spacesuit Media. All videos courtesy of INDYCAR.