- Milton Keynes-based electric powertrain innovator selected as hybrid partner for all-new IR-28 race car, launching 2028 championship
Milton Keynes, UK / Indianapolis, [July 28 2026] – Helix has been selected as the hybrid electric drive partner for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ all-new IR-28 race car, marking a significant milestone in bringing next-generation battery-based energy storage to America’s most intense motorsport. The IR-28 will make its competition debut at the start of the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship.
Working alongside battery supplier BOLD Technology and gearbox partner Xtrac, we have engineered a hybrid powertrain that represents a leap forward in performance, efficiency and safety. Our system delivers approximately 14 times the energy storage capacity of the current supercapacitor-based architecture, while weighing approximately 20 pounds less than the previous generation. Packaged inside the bellhousing between the combustion engine and gearbox, our hybrid design gives drivers and teams unprecedented flexibility in when and how they deploy hybrid power throughout a race.
Our Hybrid Innovation in Motorsport
Our involvement in the IR-28 reinforces Helix’s position as a global leader in next-generation electric drive systems. Our hybrid technology already powers championship-winning teams in FIA Formula One and FIA Formula E, and drives the hypercars of tomorrow — including clients such as Aston Martin, Lotus, Czinger and McMurtry. INDYCAR represents the next frontier for our innovation.
The IR-28 hybrid system demonstrates our commitment to advancing electric mobility across multiple racing platforms. The technical challenge of delivering greater energy deployment variability while reducing weight and improving safety is exactly the kind of complex engineering problem our teams thrive on solving.
We are honored that INDYCAR has chosen Helix to power the next generation of the series,” said Leighton King, Chief Commercial Officer at Helix. “This partnership reflects the trust INDYCAR places in our engineering expertise and our track record of delivering innovation under the most demanding conditions. The IR-28 hybrid system represents years of collaboration and technical refinement — and it’s built to push the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport. We’re excited to see it on track this week during testing, and we can’t wait for the 2028 season.”
Testing and Competition
An extensive initial testing schedule for the new IR-28 will include a variety of circuits and layouts from Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course and famed oval, Sebring International Raceway and more. Testing schedules and media availabilities will be provided at later dates.
The new IR-28 is designed to deliver faster lap times, increased speeds and enhanced on-track action while maintaining the safety standards INDYCAR is known for. Our hybrid system’s advanced energy management capabilities will play a key role in achieving these performance targets.
About the IR-28 program
The IR-28 chassis is produced by Dallara and will debut in the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, powered by 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 internal combustion engines from Chevrolet and Honda producing up to 760 horsepower, paired with an evolved low-voltage hybrid system. The hybrid platform is developed with Helix, with transmissions by Xtrac. BOLD supplies the battery-based Energy Storage System, the first in the history of the series.
A link to the introductory trailer is available here. Media access to renderings is available here.
