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CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES ANNOUNCES NEW CHASSIS AND ENGINE PACKAGE
INDIANAPOLIS (October 11, 2005) - Innovation has always been a hallmark of the
Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. From the
front-engine roadster to today’s sleek turbocharged machines, Champ Cars have
always tested the mettle of the world’s greatest drivers. Today, Champ Car
announces its latest evolution in chassis design as the new Panoz DP01 Built by
Élan Motorsports Technologies will be paired with a turbo-charged Ford-Cosworth
engine on every Champ Car beginning with the 2007 season.
The new chassis and engine combination reflects the ongoing commitment by the
Champ Car World Series, its owners, management and manufacturers to the
long-term health and success of the series. The combination ensures a level
playing field for every team and driver in the Champ Car World Series, while
providing a stable technology and rules package for the future of Champ Car.
“We are extremely excited about the potential that the Panoz DP01 chassis built
by Élan Motorsports Technologies and the Ford-Cosworth engine bring to the Champ
Car World Series,” said Champ Car President Steve Johnson. “This combination
benefits Champ Car not only by providing a strong package for our current teams,
but also by giving prospective teams an opportunity to be competitive right
away. This package is just another indication of the progress the series has
made since Kevin Kalkhoven, Jerry Forsythe and Paul Gentilozzi purchased it in
2004.”
The new Panoz DP01 takes much of its look from the current Champ Car chassis,
keeping alive the style that has made the series a favorite of racing fans
around the globe. But the cutting-edge technology designed into the package
incorporates many new aerodynamic features that make this car better suited to
the urban race tracks which host Champ Car’s highly successful three-day
festivals of speed. The design will also lead to more competitive racing on the
permanent road courses and ovals that mark the Champ Car World Series as the
most diverse racing series in the world. The Panoz DP01 is smaller than the
current Champ Car in both length and width and weighs 165 pounds less than the
current machine, providing a more nimble and quicker machine that will put
driver skills at a premium.
The aerodynamic changes on the new chassis will allow for more passing via
smaller wings and bigger tunnels which will create less turbulence for cars in
traffic. Another advantage is the addition of an on-board starter which will
allow for less yellow-flag time during events. The new design also features
safety innovations that include upgrades to the head surround and seat back
areas as well as increased leg padding. The design also incorporates a
collapsible steering column, new side intrusion panels and a two-stage nose
crush and a rear crash structure for oval events.
“We are extremely enthusiastic and proud to be selected as the exclusive builder
of the next generation Champ Car,” said David Bowes, CEO Élan Motorsports
Technologies. “At the outset of the process, Champ Car sought RFPs from seven
manufacturers. After an exhaustive analysis, Champ Car has recognized not only
the technical capabilities but also the unprecedented service, quality and
accessibility that can only be offered by the leading North American based
organization. We are looking forward to working with Champ Car officials to
build a state of the art race car of which everyone will be proud.”
Paired with the Panoz DP01 Built by Élan Motorsports Technologies will be the
next generation of the fabled turbocharged Ford-Cosworth V8 engine. The
2.65-liter powerplant will feature the proven reliability of the engines which
are currently built to perform in race conditions for 1,200 miles and will
maintain the unique high-pitched engine note that sets Champ Cars apart.
“We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Champ Car World
Series and are excited with the possibilities that this new package presents,”
said Cosworth Vice President Ian Bisco. “We have had great success with the XFE
engine over the last three seasons, building a strong powerplant that has shown
equality in performance and tremendous reliability, and we expect to have even
greater successes with Champ Car in the years to come.”
The 2007 package is also designed to reduce operating costs for both present and
future Champ Car teams. A new rolling chassis will cost approximately 35
percent less than the current car while the costs of spare parts are expected to
yield a savings to teams of nearly 50 percent. The design also allows Champ Car
to explore new technologies such as carbon brakes which will allow for even more
cost savings over the life of the car.
“The reduction in cost of the Panoz DP01 and Cosworth engine will benefit Champ
Car’s teams immensely,” said Tony Cotman, Champ Car vice president of
operations. “The design and cost will keep our current teams in the series but
will also attract new teams to the series. Combined with the reduced cost, the
new design also makes the Champ Car World Series even more of a driver’s series.
The lighter, smaller car means teams will rely even more on the drivers to
achieve maximum performance.”
The Champ Car World Series features some of the greatest race car drivers in the
world competing in the most diverse and exciting series in the world. Champions
Sebastien Bourdais, Jimmy Vasser, Cristiano da Matta and Canadian Paul Tracy
along with 2004 Roshfrans Rookie of the Year A. J. Allmendinger, Oriol Servia
and Alex Tagliani are among the drivers who battle for the Vanderbilt Cup, which
is awarded to the winner of the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series
Powered by Ford. The title is contested on oval circuits, temporary street
circuits and permanent road courses.
