NASCAR Cup Series

IndyCar series announces tests, rules changes

Published Jan. 13, 2010 6:39 p.m. ET

foxsports

The IndyCar series is giving two tracks and its drivers a big boost this season.

Series officials have announced drivers will have nearly twice as much horsepower when pushing the overtake button than they did last season.

Teams also will have two opportunities for open tests. A road course test will be held Feb. 24-26 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. The open oval test will be May 4 at Kentucky Speedway.

Teams are permitted up to six private testing days in addition to the open test dates.

Other changes this year included adding a reverse gear to cars competing on road and street courses and the recommendation of using a ``floating back'' headrest that is designed to give driver's more protection in crashes.