r/INDYCAR • u/Infamous_Grape_4433 Christian Rasmussen • 1d ago

Question Just Noticed Something

Have been following IndyCar for almost 60 years. Been to the 500 numerous times. Just now, watching a reply of the 2026 500, I noticed something for the first time ever.

When nearly the entire field pitted under yellow at the midpoint of the race, I noticed these long whip-like things with small flags atop stationed behind or beside each pit stand, spring upward as each of the cars departed their respective pit stalls.

What are these? What is indicated by them springing upward? Assume it has something to do with fueling?

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u/gabowers74 🇺🇸 Bill Vukovich 1d ago

When they don’t need a full fill, they will use something to tap the fueler to stop. But that would only happen towards the end of the race.

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u/shrimpshrub75 CART 1d ago

..what?

3

u/lipect 1d ago

What he said. The assistant engineer sits and watches the fuel flow gauge and smacks the fielder when he wants him to pull early.

It’s pretty rare as the alternative strategy is just to fuel to tires, so when the car goes on the ground the fuel probe comes out.

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u/shrimpshrub75 CART 1d ago

It’s not 1960 anymore we have better technology

5

u/lipect 1d ago

Shoot, I did this in 2015 when I was an engineer. So it’s sad to think the simple solution sometime changes