New Wheldon-tested Indy car arrives

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) - The first shipment of a new generation of Indy cars will be picked up Thursday from the Dallara facility in Speedway. The new DW12, named after two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon who was the original test driver, lists for $385,800.

Every team’s initial deposit of $193,000 was due by Sept. 15. Depending on the team’s location, the final payment was either $42,800 or $192,800. Indiana gave an incentive to Indianapolis-based racing teams, deducting $150,000 from the total price of the new car if they were based in Indianapolis.

“We had plans to make 60 of them. We have more than 50 already purchased,” said Stefano de Ponti, Director of U.S. Operations for Dallara.

The new chassis sits in a crate – in individually wrapped bubble wrap. The bare carbon fiber is a charcoal gray – awaiting the colorful paint and decals characteristic of motorsports.

The safety cell/tub for every car is made at Dallara’s factory in Italy while the rest of the car is being assembled at the temporary shop on Main Street in Speedway. Individual racing teams will add the engines and seats.

Following Thursday’s delivery, the next batch of 15 cars will be delivered each month through March.