Is IndyCar faster than NASCAR? All you need to know

NASCAR and IndyCar are the two top racing series in America. Both originated out of America's love for motor racing. However, the key difference between the two is that NASCAR stock cars essentially resemble production cars which are heavily modified to race on track. IndyCars on the other hand are purpose-built for racing and flaunt an open-wheel design.

This is the primary reason makes automobiles in the IndyCar series much faster than the Cup series cars. Both series consist of races around ovals and permanent courses. However, the majority of the NASCAR calendar is based around ovals compared to IndyCar, where 10 races are street/permanent courses while the other 7 are ovals. Yet around both styles of courses, the IndyCar is faster.

Let's get into the details of what makes IndyCar faster than NASCAR.

#1 Aerodynamics

Although stock cars are based on production cars (hence the name stock cars), they do not have full-blown aerodynamics like a GT3 (high-performance sports cars modified for racing) or endurance racing cars, which are also based on production cars. The aerodynamics of a GT3 car creates drag and slows the car in a straight line.

NASCAR: NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Imagn

Although the current generation of stock cars features improved aerodynamics, it still is nowhere near IndyCar. This is because the Cup series cars are built to primarily race around ovals, hence the aerodynamics are designed to favor straight-line speed. This limits the potential of the NASCAR machines around corners, giving a huge advantage to IndyCar variants.

IndyCar on the other hand is built keeping the aerodynamics as the key focus. The front and rear wings, the underfloor, and other components are developed to produce downforce even if it comes at the cost of drag. IndyCar comes with three different aerodynamic configurations for different types of track.

IndyCar: Streets of Toronto - Source: Imagn

Dallara provides the chassis and the major aerodynamic packages for IndyCar. Around the permanent circuits, the high downforce package with three elements in the front and rear wing is used whereas around ovals and super speedways, the low downforce single-element aerodynamic package is chosen.

But why don't the aerodynamics and drag slow the IndyCars down in a straight line when compared to the stock cars? The differences in the power-to-weight ratio of the two cars are the answer.

#2 Powertrain and Weight

NASCAR stock cars use a 5.86L naturally aspirated engine that produces 670 horsepower in the peak configuration. Restrictor plates are used to reduce the power around high-speed tracks in an effort to make the racing safer. IndyCars on the other hand use a much smaller 2.2L engine. However, it is boosted by two turbochargers which push the horsepower figures between 550 and 750 depending on the configuration of the track.

AUTO: JUN 21 NTT IndyCar Series Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey - Source: Getty

The peak horsepower of an IndyCar and a NASCAR stock car aren't that far away from each other. But it is the weight of the cars that play a crucial role. The NASCAR machine weighs 3200 lbs without the driver and fuel whereas an IndyCar weighs in at only 1650 lbs. This means the stock car is almost double the weight of an IndyCar.

The 80 extra horsepower on IndyCar and half the weight compared to stock cars make the open-wheel racing car significantly faster in straight-line stretches, while also granting them better acceleration. Both the aerodynamics factor and the power-to-weight ratio make the IndyCar a far superior car compared to NASCAR machines when it comes down to speed.