IndyCar Returns Push-to-Pass for Remaining Street Races

Push-to-pass, first introduced to the IndyCar series in 2009, will return for the five remaining street course events on the 2012 schedule, beginning with the Honda Indy Toronto on July 6-8.

The overtake assist feature allows drivers to press a button on the steering wheel for added turbocharger boost and extra RPM when they are attempting to pass.

The additional boost lasts for a pre-determined amount of time which will be established by INDYCAR depending on the circuit. However, engine manufacturers may adjust their settings below the requirements to optimize their engine's performance.

Teams will have the opportunity to test the system during the event weekend on the streets of Exhibition Place before the Honda Indy Toronto.

"It will be similar to what it was in the past because we know that model worked," said Will Phillips, IndyCar's vice president of technology.

Push-to-pass will not engage until a certain throttle position is reached, and will disengage if the driver lifts or presses the button again.

As part of the introduction of push-to-pass, the base turbocharger boost level will decrease to 150 kPa. When the system is engaged, the boost increases to 160 kPa on the 2.2-liter V6 engines supplied by Chevrolet, Honda, and Lotus.

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services