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