“Push-to-Pass” (P2P) refers to engine settings or devices that give drivers brief bursts of added power when used, but which are extremely limited in duration. The KERS systems used by some Formula One teams have this function.
The IRL version will apparently recalibrate the engine—probably spark and fuel flow—to allow for up to 20 more horsepower for approximately ten seconds, after which the system will reset and not function for another ten seconds. The driver will be able to use this function twenty times in the course of a race.
P2P allows drivers to pass opponents more easily, and to defend against passes also. Because it cannot be used repeatedly and has a specific number of applications, it adds a measure of strategy—drivers might try to get ahead at the start or after a restart, save a few uses to defend a position near the end of the race, or use it sparingly throughout the race and make a rush at the end, hoping most other drivers have used theirs up.
Passing can be very difficult in IndyCar racing, because the cars and drivers are so evenly matched. The addition of P2P will hopefully improve the quality of IRL competition.
