IndyCar Red Bull Aeroscreen
Design Consultation
Envision gained an advantage over the competition by creating a 3D model of their then top-secret car design
A balance between safety and visibility is crucial for drivers to maintain situational awareness on the track.
Tasks: Engineering problem solving, Creative Direction, Styling, Design Thinking
Tools: Maya and Vray
Client: IndyCar/Red Bull Advanced Technologies
Agency/Studio: Direct
Team Members:
RedBull
Project Lead - Andrew Damerum
Lead Engineer - Ed Collings
Engineer - Mark Foster
Engineer - Antonio Montanari
INDYCAR
Project Lead - Tino Belli
Project Oversight - Bill Papis and Jay Frye
Styling / Creative Direction - Chris Beatty
Dallara
Antonio Montanari
Alex Timmersman
Luca Verscovi
Pankl Racing Systems
Stefan Seidel
Aerodine Composites
Craig McCarthy
PPG
Brent Wright
Isoclima
Marco Bertolini
There were many more who contributed to this groundbreaking device.
In collaboration with Red Bull, I worked on behalf of IndyCar to ensure seamless integration of the new Aeroscreen cockpit protection device into the 2018 chassis. This endeavour entailed maintaining design continuity while prioritising overall functionality and safety. As part of the project, I assisted the engineering team, providing valuable solutions and suggestions to address the unique challenges that arose. Quick thinking and on-the-spot decision-making were crucial as I navigated the intricate balance between the device's aesthetics and its impact on the underlying structures.
The debut of the Aeroscreen in the 2020 racing season marked a significant milestone, as it emerged as a crucial safety measure that has since been credited with saving multiple drivers from severe injury or death. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the collaborative effort and meticulous attention to detail invested in the design and implementation of the device. Working on this project was immensely rewarding, showcasing the intersection of innovation, engineering, and driver safety within the high-stakes world of motorsports. It reinforced the vital role that advancements in technology and design play in protecting the lives of athletes and further enhancing the sport as a whole.
For the 2024 season, IndyCar is introducing a lightweight screen designed specifically for use on non-Super Speedway courses. I collaborated with Dallara and IndyCar to develop this new device, which incorporates enhanced air intakes and side helmet ducting.
Outcomes
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The Aeroscreen has been credited with averting potential serious injuries among drivers.
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A second-generation screen is set to debut later in 2024, featuring enhanced ventilation and a new lightweight 3D printed frame.
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It offers reduced aerodynamic drag and superior protection against debris compared to the open-frame FIA Halo.
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Louis Schwitzer Award-winning innovation at the 2020 Indianapolis 500.