Honda and its performance subsidiary, Honda Performance Development (HPD), have unveiled a new refueling safety interlock system designed to curb fires and injuries that could stem from refueling in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Honda believes this new system will be a boon to overall pit safety, as many fires in the past have been started by refueling equipment.

The new system developed by HPD includes a fuel-probe sensor and corresponding electronics in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Gearbox Control Unit (GCU). This unique system prevents the first gear from being engaged via the IndyCar race car’s paddle shifter while the fueling hose is still connected to the vehicle.

“Every year, as a result of human error or mechanical malfunction, there are instances of drivers leaving their pit boxes while the refueling hose is still attached to the car,” said Roger Griffiths, technical director at HPD. “All of these incidents create the potential for a fire in the pits and injuries to the driver, crew members, or others in the pit-lane area.”

Honda’s new safety device has been developed over several years and was repeatedly tested during IZOD IndyCar Series practice sessions and test days to address potential reliability issues. As it was being tested, engineers worked on devising a way to incorporate the system into the Honda Indy V8-powered Dallara chassis, which is used by all teams in the series.

“The system has been in development at HPD since 2009 for use in both the IZOD IndyCar Series and endurance sports-car racing,” said Griffiths. “We’re very pleased to be introducing it here at St. Petersburg.”