NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

IndyCar has entered the hybrid era and the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio race of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series is the start of the new IndyCar chapter. 

The IndyCar's hybrid system is made in collaboration with Honda and Chevrolet. It consists of two main components: the Motor Generator Unit and the Energy Storage System. This powertrain produces over 800 horsepower for the first time in two decades and with the Hybrid Assist and Push to Pass, it gives the cars an additional 120HP. It's fueled by Shell's 100% renewable race fuel.

With IndyCar drivers getting accustomed to the all-new hybrid powertrain, the  Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio race is the true litmus test to showcase the true power of the new IndyCar powertrain.

The start of the race spells disaster for Scott Dixon due to mechanical issues. Following Dixon's opening disaster, the race begins on Lap 3 and the drivers are going all-out, taking full advantage of the new hybrid system. As the race intensified, Lap 61 saw Josef Newgarden go off-track, and with only two laps left in Mid-Ohio, Romain Grosjean got spun and slightly hit the wall.

Screengrab from IndyCar

Pato O'Ward wins the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, the first winner of the IndyCar's new hybrid era. Alex Palou and Scott McLaughlin wrapped up the first podium of the new era.

After Mid-Ohio, Palou leads with 329 points while Will Power is in 2nd with 281 points and Pato O'Ward is in third with 259 points.

The next race is the two-part Iowa battle with the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 on July 13 and the Hy-Vee One Step 250 on July 14.