Champ Car

An abbreviation of Championship Car, “Champ Car” is used to refer to both the Champ Car World Series and the specifications of the vehicles formally used in the series events.

CART Years

Champ Car was formed in 1978 as the Championship Auto Racing Teams, (CART). The initial purpose was to address concerns drivers and owners had with the United States Automobile Club (USAC), the sanctioning body for U.S. open wheel racing.

2003 Bankruptcy

The CART series went bankrupt in 2003 and reorganized as the Champ Car World Series in order to compete with the Indy Racing League, (IRL).

Merger with the IRL

In February of 2008 Champ Car and the IRL agreed to a deal that merged Champ Car into the IRL, finally unifying U.S. open wheel racing into one series.

2008 Bankruptcy

On March 5, 2008 Champ Car filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. The filing stated that Champ Car plans on staying in business long enough to conduct its final race, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 20, 2008.

Fast Facts:

1. Founded: 1979, as Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART)
2. Final Race: 2008 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 20, 2008
3. Engine Displacement: 2.65 L DOHC V8
4. Gearbox: 7 Speed semi-automatic gearbox with paddle shifted
5. Max Allowable Weight: Approx 1,575 lb (710 kg), without driver
6. Horse Power Output: 725–800 hp
7. Torque: 350–425 ft·lbf
8. Fuel Type: Methanol
9. Fuel Capacity: 35 U.S. gallons (132 liters)
10. Fuel System: Injection
11. Aspiration: Turbocharged
12. Length: 190 inches (4.83 m)
13. Width: 78.5 inches (1.99 m)
14. Wheelbase: 122.75 inches (3.12 m)
15. Steering Type: Rack & Pinion; manual

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