CART unveils new engine formula for 2003.
The CART organisation has confirmed that it will adopt a new engine formula beginning in 2003, bringing it in line with a specification common to open-wheel racing in the United States, notably the Indy Racing League.
In a near unanimous decision, the 22-member CART franchise owners board of directors approved a move to a maximum 3.5-litre, normally aspirated engine formula, taking the series away from its current turbo-charged format, to begin in 2003.
The CART organisation has confirmed that it will adopt a new engine formula beginning in 2003, bringing it in line with a specification common to open-wheel racing in the United States, notably the Indy Racing League.
In a near unanimous decision, the 22-member CART franchise owners board of directors approved a move to a maximum 3.5-litre, normally aspirated engine formula, taking the series away from its current turbo-charged format, to begin in 2003.
The new engine formula will be open to certain enhancements designed to allow the FedEx Championship Series to continue its distinction as the most advanced form of open-wheel racing in the United States, but brings it closer to the engine specification used by the rival IRL series. Currently, Ford, Honda and Toyota provide engines to the
self-proclaimed 'most competitive field in the world', although Toyota has threatened to switch to the IRL should a common engine formula not be forthcoming.
"CART's leadership position in open-wheel racing dictated for us to make an aggressive step toward the future in the best interest of our sport," CART chairman and CEO Joe Heitzler said at the start of the Texaco/Havoline GP of Houston, "We will have a normally aspirated formula similar to all major racing series in the world, including Formula One, but will continue to have our own distinctive engine formula in the most competitive and challenging series in the world."
The move is expected to provide myriad of benefits including a significant reduction in engine costs, rules stability through 2005, reduction in speed on ovals while maintaining ultimate power on road and street courses, allow additional development for the teams to maintain a high technical level, and allow teams to compete in the FedEx Championship Series as well as the Indianapolis 500.
CART's senior vice-president of racing operations John Lopes and CART team owner Derrick Walker have been appointed by the board to review all aspects of supply and specification associated with the new engine formula.
"This formula will provide commonality without compromising CART's high-tech traditions," Lopes said, "Our ability in the future to develop these motors, along with the aerodynamic and electronic developments pioneered by CART teams, affords CART the ability to remain the most advanced form of open-wheel racing in the United States."
