P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The snake. The dragon. The weave. It’s had many names but the controversial move that’s been key to winning recent Indianapolis 500s has been outlawed for 2024
A controversial move used in recent Indianapolis 500 races, known as the snake, the dragon, or the weave, has been banned for the 2024 race following discussions about its safety and fairness. The move involves drivers making aggressive weaving motions to break the slipstream from the car behind, preventing them from closing in. This maneuver, which has been a topic of debate, was often used by drivers like Simon Pagenaud in 2019 to gain an advantage and secure victories. Critics argue that the move is risky and can lead to dangerous situations on the track, especially at speeds exceeding 200mph. To address these concerns, IndyCar has introduced a new rule that penalizes drivers who cross a specific white line with their left-side wheels, with penalties ranging from a drive-through to dropping to the back of the restart line-up, depending on the circumstances. The change has been welcomed by many drivers, including last year’s winner Josef Newgarden, who recognize the need to uphold safety while maintaining the competitive spirit of the sport.
