---
title: "IndyCar Rolls Out New Concussion Evaluation Procedures Ahead of Indy 500"
description: "The I-PAS \"goggles test\" has been officially implemented to IndyCar drivers' mandated physicals."
date: "2018-05-19"
modified: "2018-05-19"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20929/indycar-rolls-out-new-concussion-evaluation-procedures-ahead-of-indy-500"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Health and Wellness"
  - "Indy 500"
  - "Indycar Series"
  - "medical evacuation"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
---

# IndyCar Rolls Out New Concussion Evaluation Procedures Ahead of Indy 500

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/05/gettyimages-478818388.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

In the quest to constantly improve safety conditions for racing drivers, spectators, and everyone in between, IndyCar is making it [mandatory for drivers](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20915/andretti-leads-honda-redemption-on-second-day-of-indy-500-practice>) to undergo a clinical eye-tracking computer test called I-PAS. The system, which was recently cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, will help officials better address the dangers of concussions caused by high-speed collisions.

I-PAS stands for I-Portal Portable Assessment System, and it was recently announced that it's been implemented as part of the sanctioning body's concussion evaluation protocol. The revolutionary system was created by Pittsburgh-based Neuro Kinetics, Inc., and it's commonly referred to as the "goggles test" because the equipment itself resembles a virtual reality headset. The test involves running a series of diagnostic tests to evaluate patients with symptoms of dizziness and possible balance disorders, especially those associated with [medical conditions](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20858/stefan-wilsons-indycar-for-the-2018-indy-500-is-one-emotional-tribute>) such as concussions, migraines, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

![message-editor%2F1526694374733-gettyimages-651837100.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1526694374733-gettyimages-651837100.jpg>)
*The Holmatro safety crew tends to Will Power following a minor collision., *IndyCar**

Current IndyCar drivers were required to undergo the I-PAS procedure during their pre-season medical examinations, which saw medics integrate clinical eye-tracking and a series of non-invasive oculomotor, vestibular, and reaction time tests.

"All drivers have to go through physicals at the beginning of the season, and they each went through I-PAS during those physicals, as a baseline," an IndyCar spokesperson told *The Drive*. "It is only performed thereafter if they are suspected of having a concussion."

[Much like in Formula 1](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18766/fernando-alonso-thinks-f1s-halo-shouldnt-be-a-debatable-issue>), IndyCar drivers wear earbuds with built-in accelerometers that measure G forces and other data that allows physicians and emergency on-track personnel to understand what drivers experienced during a crash. Ear accelerometer data is later analyzed to see if meets or exceeds the threshold of suspicion of a concussion.

![message-editor%2F1526694405112-19sg5505.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1526694405112-19sg5505.jpg>)
*The rear tire of Juan Pablo Montoya came dangerously close to Aleshin's head., *IndyCar**

"IndyCar's medical staff has used a number of tools to help improve its evaluation of concussions," said Dr. Terry Trammell, safety consultant to IndyCar and its medical staff. "It is a challenge to balance both the safety of the drivers and the need for them to be on the track to compete. I-PAS has proven to be an important part of the decision-making process as to if and when a driver with the possibility of having had a concussion may return to competition."

Back in 2016, Team Penske driver Will Power struck a wall during practice at the [Grand Prix of St. Petersburg](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20854/the-drive-at-indy-reporting-directly-from-the-indianapolis-motor-speedway>) in Florida. Power went on to claim pole position the next day but experienced concussion-like symptoms shortly thereafter according to series safety officials, which kept him from participating in Sunday's race due to the heightened risk of injury. Dr. Steve Olvey, a former IndyCar medical director at the University of Miami's concussion program, put Power through a battery of tests including I-PAS. It was determined that an inner ear infection, not a concussion, had triggered the symptoms.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)