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The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
May 28, 2023
By David Malsher-Lopez
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner

IndyCar has become a proving ground for many successful racing chassis manufacturers, and one of the most prominent names in this regard is Dallara. The Italian firm's Indy 500-winning cars are part of its illustrious history in the series, spanning more than three decades.

Dallara's first foray into IndyCar was back in the late '80s, with the Dallara-Foyt Cosworth, a car that would have been competitive had it not been for an engine failure. In the early 2000s, the Italian brand returned to the series with the Dallara IR-01, a car that enjoyed considerable success in the hands of Sam Hornish Jr., Scott Pruett and other top drivers.

Fast forward to 2023, and Dallara is now the dominant chassis supplier in IndyCar, having won multiple championships and the prestigious Indianapolis 500 race. The brand's latest offering, the DW12, has been responsible for much of this success, but its roots can be traced back to the first generation of cars that competed in the series.

From humble beginnings to domination, Dallara's journey in IndyCar has been nothing short of remarkable, and its ongoing partnership with teams and drivers in the series is a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence. The company's evolution as a leading name in motorsport chassis design and construction will continue to shape the future of IndyCar racing for years to come.

In summary, Dallara has come a long way since its first foray into IndyCar back in the late '80s. From the initial struggles with the Dallara-Foyt Cosworth to the heights of success with the DW12, the Italian brand has become a dominant force in the series and is poised to continue shaping the future of open-wheel racing in North America.