The difficult 1.8-mile, 14-turn momentary road circuit noticed the bow-tie model put collectively a 1-2-3-4 sweep, led by Staff Penske’s Josef Newgarden, who led 92 of 100 laps from pole to grab the victory.
The outing showcased important enhancements for Chevrolet, who claimed the 2023 producers’ title regardless of solely successful 5 races to rival Honda’s 12. Most of its success got here on ovals, with Honda being credited with superior drivability and gasoline mileage on street programs.
Chevrolet-powered drivers revealed that it held a collection of low season conferences with groups, leading to a ‘menu’ of engine-related components that they needed bettering for 2024.
Rob Buckner, IndyCar Program Supervisor for Chevrolet, has now shared some perception to the areas which have elevated its efficiency.
“It’s no single merchandise, and credit score to our groups as a result of in addition they got here again stronger to begin 2024,” Buckner advised Motorsport.com.
“We proceed so as to add useful resource to GM Motorsports with our new Charlotte Technical Heart, new software program instruments and a few actually gifted hires. We’re absolutely dedicated.
“The Chevrolet engine package deal is healthier, our groups are higher, and our help to place all of it collectively continues to mature and develop. I’m excited that we’ve got 16 extra probabilities to point out what we’re able to.”
Josef Newgarden, Staff Penske Chevrolet
Picture by: Gavin Baker / Motorsport Photographs
And undoubtedly the spectacular leads to St. Petersburg supplied a lift proper out of the gate, though Honda retaliated with victory within the non-points Thermal Million Greenback Problem final weekend.
“St. Pete was a fantastic begin to the yr for Chevrolet, IndyCar, and continues GM Motorsports’ robust begin to 2024,” Buckner mentioned. “It’s at all times good to return out robust and confirm that our engineering path has helped our Chevy-powered groups.
“On the similar time, that is race one in all 17 and we’ve got an extended methods to go. St. Petersburg has traditionally been a fantastic venue for Chevrolet, one other win there means lots.
“I’m very pleased with our engineering group which has grown considerably over the past 12 months with many new of us. It is nice to see them get a consequence and see their efforts rewarded.”
One side that can not be ignored is the refinements of the present 2.2-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine have additionally come at a time when each Chevrolet and Honda have been thrashing to develop the hybrid expertise that’s set to reach for the second half of the season.
Alexander Rossi taking part in Indianapolis 500 Hybrid Testing
Picture by: IndyCar Sequence
The method has seen hundreds of miles between a number of take a look at days, with Staff Penske and Arrow McLaren dealing with nearly all of the operating for Chevrolet. In the meantime, Honda has been represented by Andretti World and Chip Ganassi Racing.
This previous Thursday and Friday noticed the remainder of the groups lastly get their respective first cracks on the new product.
“It is actually a difficult yr,” Buckner mentioned. “We’ve been hybrid testing closely whereas additionally contemplating how 2024 goes to begin.
“It is mainly two impartial packages with their very own challenges and everyone seems to be juggling quite a few tasks.
“What offers me confidence is that our collective group at GM and our companions at Ilmor, together with our race groups, at all times rise to the event.”
