1998 CART FedEx Championship Series

Last updated
1998 CART season
FedEx Championship Series
CART vertical logo (1997-2002).svg
Season
Races19
Start dateMarch 15
End dateNovember 1
Awards
Drivers' champion Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi
Constructors' Cup Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Reynard
Manufacturers' Cup Flag of Japan.svg Honda
Nations' Cup Flag of the United States.svg United States
Rookie of the Year Flag of Brazil.svg Tony Kanaan
  1997
1999  

The 1998 FedEx Championship Series season was the twentieth in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing. It consisted of 19 races, beginning in Homestead, Florida on March 15 and concluding in Fontana, California on November 1. The FedEx Championship Series Drivers' Champion was Alex Zanardi, his second consecutive championship, while the series' Rookie of the Year was Tony Kanaan. This was the first of five years of sponsorship by FDX Corporation, who became FedEx Corporation in 2000.

Contents

The season was marred by a deadly crash on lap 175 of the U.S. 500. Adrián Fernández slammed into the outside wall in the fourth turn of Michigan International Speedway. His right front wheel was torn off and hurled over the fence into the stands, killing three spectators (Kenneth Fox, Sheryl Laster, and Michael Tautkus) and injuring six others. Fernández was uninjured. [1]

This was the final season with Bobby Rahal on the CART grid. Other notable events of the 1998 season include first wins for Bryan Herta and future Indycar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion Dario Franchitti. Mexican driver Adrián Fernández got his second career win at Twin Ring Motegi, the first race run there by Champ Cars.

Drivers and constructors

The following teams and drivers competed in the 1998 CART Championship Series season.

TeamChassisEngineTiresNoDriversRoundsPrimary Sponsors
Flag of the United States.svg Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard 98i Honda HRK F 1 Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi All Target
12 Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser All
Flag of the United States.svg Marlboro Team Penske Penske PC-27 Mercedes IC108E G 2 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. All Marlboro
3 Flag of Brazil.svg André Ribeiro All
Flag of the United States.svg Walker Racing Reynard 98i Honda HRK G 5 Flag of Brazil.svg Gil de Ferran All Valvoline
Flag of the United States.svg Newman-Haas Racing Swift 009.c Ford XB G 6 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti All Texaco-Havoline
11 Flag of Brazil.svg Christian Fittipaldi 1–6, 8–19 Kmart
Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto Moreno 7
Flag of the United States.svg Team Rahal Reynard 98i Ford XB F 7 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal All Miller Lite
8 Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta All Shell
Flag of the United States.svg Hogan Racing Reynard 98i Mercedes IC108E F 9 Flag of Finland.svg JJ Lehto All Hogan Motor Leasing
Flag of the United States.svg Della Penna Motorsports Swift 009.c Ford XB F 10 Flag of the United States.svg Richie Hearn All Budweiser
43 Flag of Japan.svg Hideshi Matsuda 2BMB Mini-Juke
Flag of the United States.svg Project CART Reynard 98i Mercedes IC108E G 15 Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto Moreno 1–2 Hawaiian Tropic
Flag of Italy.svg Domenico Schiattarella 3
Flag of the United States.svg Bettenhausen Racing Reynard 98i Mercedes IC108E G 16 Flag of Brazil.svg Hélio Castroneves AllAlumax
Flag of the United States.svg PacWest Racing Group Reynard 98i Mercedes IC108E F 17 Flag of Brazil.svg Maurício Gugelmin All Hollywood Cigarettes
18 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Mark Blundell All Motorola
Flag of the United States.svg Payton/Coyne Racing Reynard 98i Ford XB F 19 Flag of Mexico.svg Michel Jourdain Jr. All Herdez
34 Flag of the United States.svg Dennis Vitolo 1, 4, 6–10, 12, 15–19 SmithKline Beecham 15
Payton/Coyne Racing 3
Banco Cacique 1
Flag of Brazil.svg Gualter Salles 2–3, 5, 11, 13–14
Flag of the United States.svg Patrick Racing Reynard 98i Ford XB F 20 Flag of the United States.svg Scott Pruett All Visteon
40 Flag of Mexico.svg Adrián Fernández All Tecate Beer
Flag of the United States.svg Tasman Motorsports Group Reynard 98i Honda HRK F 21 Flag of Brazil.svg Tony Kanaan All LCI
Flag of the United States.svg Arciero-Wells Racing Reynard 98i Toyota RV8C F 24 Flag of Japan.svg Hiro Matsushita 1–3, 5 Panasonic
Flag of the United States.svg Robby Gordon 4, 6–19
25 Flag of Italy.svg Max Papis All MCI
Flag of the United States.svg Team KOOL Green Reynard 98i Honda HRK F 26 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul Tracy All KOOL
27 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti All
Flag of the United States.svg Forsythe Racing Reynard 98i Mercedes IC108E F 33 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Patrick Carpentier All Player's
99 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore All
Flag of the United States.svg All American Racing Reynard Toyota RV8C G 98 Flag of the United States.svg P. J. Jones 1–15 Castrol
36 Flag of the United States.svg Alex Barron 1–12
Eagle 98713–19
98 Flag of Italy.svg Vincenzo Sospiri 16–19
Flag of the United States.svg Davis Racing Lola T98/00 Ford XB G 77 Flag of Germany.svg Arnd Meier All BAAN Business Software 8
Hasseröder 11

Season Summary

Schedule

RndDateRace NameCircuitLocation
1March 15 Flag of the United States.svg Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami Presented by Toyota  O  Homestead Motorsports Complex Homestead, Florida
2March 28 Flag of Japan.svg Budweiser 500K  O  Twin Ring Motegi Motegi, Japan
3April 5 Flag of the United States.svg Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach  S  Streets of Long Beach Long Beach, California
4April 27* Flag of the United States.svg Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix Presented by Toyota  O  Nazareth Speedway Nazareth, Pennsylvania
5May 10 Flag of Brazil.svg Rio 400K  O  Autódromo de Jacarepaguá Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
6May 23 Flag of the United States.svg Motorola 300  O  Gateway International Raceway Madison, Illinois
7May 31 Flag of the United States.svg Miller Lite 200  O  Milwaukee Mile West Allis, Wisconsin
8June 7 Flag of the United States.svg ITT Automotive Detroit Grand Prix  S  The Raceway on Belle Isle Park Detroit, Michigan
9June 21 Flag of the United States.svg Texaco/Havoline Presents the Budweiser/G. I. Joe's 200  R  Portland International Raceway Portland, Oregon
10July 12 Flag of the United States.svg Medic Drug Grand Prix of Cleveland Presented by Star Bank  R  Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport Cleveland, Ohio
11July 19 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Molson Indy Toronto  S  Exhibition Place Toronto, Ontario
12July 26 Flag of the United States.svg U.S. 500 Presented by Toyota  O  Michigan Speedway Brooklyn, Michigan
13August 9 Flag of the United States.svg Miller Lite 200  R  Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio
14August 16 Flag of the United States.svg The Chicago Tribune Presents the Texaco/Havoline 200  R  Road America Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
15September 6 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Molson Indy Vancouver  S  Streets of Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia
16September 13 Flag of the United States.svg Honda Grand Prix of Monterey Featuring the Texaco/Havoline 300  R  Laguna Seca Raceway Monterey, California
17October 4 Flag of the United States.svg Texaco Grand Prix of Houston  S  George R. Brown Convention Center Houston, Texas
18October 18 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Honda Indy 300  S  Surfers Paradise Street Circuit Surfers Paradise, Australia
19November 1 Flag of the United States.svg Marlboro 500 Presented by Toyota  O  California Speedway Fontana, California

– The Nazareth race was scheduled for April 26, but postponed due to rain.
– The Houston race was scheduled for 153 miles, but was shortened due to poor visibility.
 O  Oval/Speedway
 R  Dedicated road course
 S  Temporary street circuit

Race results

RoundRace Pole position Fastest lap Race WinnerRace TimeReport
DriverTeamChassisEngine
1 Flag of the United States.svg Homestead Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti Newman-Haas Racing Swift Ford 1:33:39 Report
2 Flag of Japan.svg Motegi Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Flag of Mexico.svg Adrián Fernández Patrick Racing Reynard Ford 1:57:12 Report
3 Flag of the United States.svg Long Beach Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 1:51:29 Report
4 Flag of the United States.svg Nazareth Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Patrick Carpentier Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 1:57:20 Report
5 Flag of Brazil.svg Rio Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Forsythe Racing Reynard Mercedes 1:52:14 Report
6 Flag of the United States.svg Gateway Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 2:23:02 Report
7 Flag of the United States.svg Milwaukee Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Patrick Carpentier Flag of the United States.svg Scott Pruett Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 1:34:17 Report
8 Flag of the United States.svg Belle Isle Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 1:41:17 Report
9 Flag of the United States.svg Portland Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Patrick Carpentier Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 1:54:06 Report
10 Flag of the United States.svg Cleveland Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 1:52:22 Report
11 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Toronto Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Flag of Brazil.svg Christian Fittipaldi Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 1:52:24 Report
12 Flag of the United States.svg Michigan Flag of Mexico.svg Adrián Fernández Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Patrick Carpentier Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Forsythe Racing Reynard Mercedes 3:00:48 Report
13 Flag of the United States.svg Mid-Ohio Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of Mexico.svg Adrián Fernández Patrick Racing Reynard Ford 1:53:39 Report
14 Flag of the United States.svg Road America Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Team KOOL Green Reynard Honda 1:35:30 Report
15 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Vancouver Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Flag of Brazil.svg Hélio Castroneves Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Team KOOL Green Reynard Honda 2:00:37 Report
16 Flag of the United States.svg Laguna Seca Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta Flag of Brazil.svg Tony Kanaan Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta Team Rahal Reynard Ford 1:55:13 Report
17 Flag of the United States.svg Houston Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Team KOOL Green Reynard Honda 1:36:30 Report
18 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Surfers Paradise Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 2:01:51 Report
19 Flag of the United States.svg Fontana Flag of the United States.svg Scott Pruett Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda 3:17:54 Report

Final driver standings

PosDriver MIA Flag of the United States.svg MOT Flag of Japan.svg LBH Flag of the United States.svg NAZ Flag of the United States.svg RIO Flag of Brazil.svg GAT Flag of the United States.svg MIL Flag of the United States.svg DET Flag of the United States.svg POR Flag of the United States.svg CLE Flag of the United States.svg TOR Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg MIC Flag of the United States.svg MDO Flag of the United States.svg ROA Flag of the United States.svg VAN Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg LAG Flag of the United States.svg HOU Flag of the United States.svg SUR Flag of Australia (converted).svg FON Flag of the United States.svg Pts
1 Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi 323122*181*1*1*13*1224221*3285
2 Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser 16781641*687322792654241*169
3 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti 9822119274421320*21261*1*41*222160
4 Flag of Mexico.svg Adrián Fernández 61*4263189224592315157664154
5 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore 2463131352725111222120212682141
6 Flag of the United States.svg Scott Pruett 5211222185109246422031811420121
7 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti 1*142118*52*2610172262115210282018112
8 Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta 8283842311213135102523221*8101597
9 Flag of Brazil.svg Tony Kanaan  RY 296592724178414221184183371992
10 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal 191717688511684738251623251182
11 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. 222291516193245171722627567222772
12 Flag of Brazil.svg Gil de Ferran 7320*42662232062716916131921141767
13 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul Tracy 27525525267728191495611820231461
14 Flag of Brazil.svg Christian Fittipaldi 42526112111Wth1726111625133149273756
15 Flag of Brazil.svg Maurício Gugelmin 10201017916211972012134*196271812549
16 Flag of the United States.svg Richie Hearn 1327231072862310187524131611918847
17 Flag of Brazil.svg Hélio Castroneves  R 2411923237212132710121726242324211036
18 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Mark Blundell 1210720111012222210261719712251411636
19 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Patrick Carpentier 11192813171525159925872827172292627
20 Flag of Finland.svg JJ Lehto  R 1429181610919262528242015188281052125
21 Flag of Italy.svg Max Papis 2613241428221618111281914119125171625
22 Flag of Brazil.svg André Ribeiro 17922DNQ2220181615222328102571417132813
23 Flag of the United States.svg Robby Gordon 713201423231327111223131316913
24 Flag of Mexico.svg Michel Jourdain Jr. 282227122417151319261818281410242526125
25 Flag of Germany.svg Arnd Meier 211515241421232712161514181028151627244
26 Flag of the United States.svg P. J. Jones 2030111913121425162119242022213
27 Flag of the United States.svg Alex Barron  R 182414DNQ1214DNQ2014152815162419201219132
28 Flag of Brazil.svg Gualter Salles 1213202123171
29 Flag of Italy.svg Vincenzo Sospiri  R 221515230
30 Flag of Japan.svg Hiro Matsushita 231619150
31 Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto Moreno 1526240
32 Flag of Italy.svg Domenico Schiattarella 160
33 Flag of the United States.svg Dennis Vitolo 252525DNQ28182426172619DNQ250
34 Flag of Japan.svg Hideshi Matsuda 180
PosDriver MIA Flag of the United States.svg MOT Flag of Japan.svg LBH Flag of the United States.svg NAZ Flag of the United States.svg RIO Flag of Brazil.svg GAT Flag of the United States.svg MIL Flag of the United States.svg DET Flag of the United States.svg POR Flag of the United States.svg CLE Flag of the United States.svg TOR Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg MIC Flag of the United States.svg MDO Flag of the United States.svg ROA Flag of the United States.svg VAN Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg LAG Flag of the United States.svg HOU Flag of the United States.svg SUR Flag of Australia (converted).svg FON Flag of the United States.svg Pts
ColorResult
GoldWinner
Silver2nd place
Bronze3rd place
Green4th–6th place
Light Blue7th–12th place
Dark BlueFinished
(Outside Top 12)
PurpleDid not finish
RedDid not qualify
(DNQ)
BrownWithdrawn
(Wth)
BlackDisqualified
(DSQ)
WhiteDid not start
(DNS)
BlankDid not
participate
(DNP)
Not competing
In-line notation
Bold Pole position
ItalicsRan fastest race lap
*Led most race laps
 RY Rookie of the Year
 R Rookie

Nations' Cup

PosCountry MIA Flag of the United States.svg MOT Flag of Japan.svg LBH Flag of the United States.svg NAZ Flag of the United States.svg RIO Flag of Brazil.svg GAT Flag of the United States.svg MIL Flag of the United States.svg DET Flag of the United States.svg POR Flag of the United States.svg CLE Flag of the United States.svg TOR Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg MIC Flag of the United States.svg MDO Flag of the United States.svg ROA Flag of the United States.svg VAN Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg LAG Flag of the United States.svg HOU Flag of the United States.svg SUR Flag of Australia (converted).svg FON Flag of the United States.svg Pts
1 Flag of the United States.svg United States 1231421622222821441303
2 Flag of Italy.svg Italy 313122181111312242213286
3 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 435496234610114363335203
4 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 2463137599111561182082182
5 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom 98220111044213201719114126168
6 Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 614123179219591815107664158
7 Flag of Finland.svg Finland 1429181610919262528242015188281052125
8 Flag of Germany.svg Germany 211515241421232712161514181028151627244
9 Flag of Japan.svg Japan 231619150
PosCountry MIA Flag of the United States.svg MOT Flag of Japan.svg LBH Flag of the United States.svg NAZ Flag of the United States.svg RIO Flag of Brazil.svg GAT Flag of the United States.svg MIL Flag of the United States.svg DET Flag of the United States.svg POR Flag of the United States.svg CLE Flag of the United States.svg TOR Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg MIC Flag of the United States.svg MDO Flag of the United States.svg ROA Flag of the United States.svg VAN Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg LAG Flag of the United States.svg HOU Flag of the United States.svg SUR Flag of Australia (converted).svg FON Flag of the United States.svg Pts

Chassis Constructors' Cup

PosChassisPtsWins
1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Reynard 98I40918
2 Flag of the United States.svg Swift 009.c1671
3 Flag of the United States.svg Penske PC-27720
4 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Lola T98/0040
5 Flag of the United States.svg Eagle 98710
PosChassisPtsWins

Engine Manufacturers' Cup

PosEnginePtsWins
1 Flag of Japan.svg Honda 36513
2 Flag of the United States.svg Ford XB2934
3 Flag of Germany.svg Mercedes 2262
4 Flag of Japan.svg Toyota 410
PosEnginePtsWins

Driver breakdown

PosDriverTeamEntriesWinsPodiumsTop 5sTop 10sPolesPoints
1 Flag of Italy.svg Zanardi Flag of the United States.svg Chip Ganassi Racing 1971516170285
2 Flag of the United States.svg Vasser Flag of the United States.svg Chip Ganassi Racing 19358152169
3 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Franchitti Flag of the United States.svg Team KOOL Green 19369115160
4 Flag of Mexico.svg Fernandez Flag of the United States.svg Patrick Racing 19248141154
5 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Moore Flag of the United States.svg Forsythe Racing 19268104141
6 Flag of the United States.svg Pruett Flag of the United States.svg Patrick Racing 19038111121
7 Flag of the United States.svg Andretti Flag of the United States.svg Newman-Haas Racing 1915691112
8 Flag of the United States.svg Herta Flag of the United States.svg Team Rahal 1913510397
9 Flag of Brazil.svg Kanaan Flag of the United States.svg Tasman Racing 1902510092
10 Flag of the United States.svg Rahal Flag of the United States.svg Team Rahal 1901310082
11 Flag of the United States.svg Unser Jr. Flag of the United States.svg Marlboro Team Penske 190247072
12 Flag of Brazil.svg de Ferran Flag of the United States.svg Walker Racing 190237067
13 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Tracy Flag of the United States.svg Team KOOL Green 190038061
14 Flag of Brazil.svg Fittipaldi Flag of the United States.svg Newman-Haas Racing 180235056
15 Flag of Brazil.svg Gugelmin Flag of the United States.svg PacWest Racing 190027049
16 Flag of the United States.svg Hearn Flag of the United States.svg Della Penna Motorsports 190018047
17 Flag of Brazil.svg Castroneves Flag of the United States.svg Bettenhausen Racing 190115036
17 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Blundell Flag of the United States.svg PacWest Racing 190006036
19 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Carpentier Flag of the United States.svg Forsythe Racing 190005227
20 Flag of Finland.svg Lehto Flag of the United States.svg Hogan Racing 190015025
20 Flag of Italy.svg Papis Flag of the United States.svg Arciero-Wells Racing 190013025
22 Flag of Brazil.svg Ribeiro Flag of the United States.svg Marlboro Team Penske 180003013
22 Flag of the United States.svg Gordon Flag of the United States.svg Arciero-Wells Racing 150002013
24 Flag of Mexico.svg Jourdain Jr. Flag of the United States.svg Dale Coyne Racing 19000105
25 Flag of Germany.svg Meier Flag of the United States.svg Davis Racing 19000104
26 Flag of the United States.svg Jones Flag of the United States.svg All American Racing 15000003
27 Flag of the United States.svg Barron Flag of the United States.svg All American Racing 17000002
28 Flag of Brazil.svg Salles Flag of the United States.svg Dale Coyne Racing 6000001
29 Flag of the United States.svg Vitolo Flag of the United States.svg Dale Coyne Racing 11000000
29 Flag of Italy.svg Sospiri Flag of the United States.svg All American Racing 4000000
29 Flag of Japan.svg Matsushita Flag of the United States.svg Arciero-Wells Racing 4000000
29 Flag of Brazil.svg Moreno Flag of the United States.svg Newman-Haas Racing
Flag of the United States.svg Project CART
3000000
29 Flag of Italy.svg Schiattarella Flag of the United States.svg Project CART 1000000
29 Flag of Japan.svg Matsuda Flag of the United States.svg Beck Motorsports 1000000

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Championship Auto Racing Teams</span> Defunct North American open wheel auto racing organization

Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) was a sanctioning body for American open-wheel car racing that operated from 1979 to 2003. It sanctioned the PPG Indy Car World Series from 1979 until dissolving after the 2003 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Auto Club</span> Auto racing sanctioning body in the United States

The United States Auto Club (USAC) is one of the sanctioning bodies of auto racing in the United States. From 1956 to 1979, USAC sanctioned the United States National Championship, and from 1956 to 1997 the organization sanctioned the Indianapolis 500. Today, USAC serves as the sanctioning body for a number of racing series, including the Silver Crown Series, National Sprint Cars, National Midgets, Speed2 Midget Series, .25 Midget Series, Stadium Super Trucks, and Pirelli World Challenge. Seven-time USAC champion Levi Jones is USAC's Competition Director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony George</span> American auto racing executive

Anton Hulman "Tony" George is the former Chairman, President, and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hulman & Company, serving from 1989 to 2009. He was also formerly on the Board of Directors of both entities. He founded the Indy Racing League and co-owned Vision Racing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American open-wheel car racing</span> Category of professional-level automobile racing in North America

American open-wheel car racing, also known as Indy car racing, is a category of professional automobile racing in the United States. As of 2022, the top-level American open-wheel racing championship is sanctioned by IndyCar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Barron (racing driver)</span> American racing driver

Alex Barron is an American former race car driver. He began racing CART FedEx World Series Championship cars in 1998 and made his first Indy Racing League Northern Lights Series start in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Carpentier</span> Canadian racing driver

Patrick Carpentier is a retired Canadian professional auto racing driver. In the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series, he achieved five wins and 24 podiums, as well as two third place championship finishes in 2002 and 2004. The long-time Champ Car driver switched to the IndyCar Series in 2005, and moved on to Grand Am Road Racing in 2007. After a few NASCAR races in 2007, he moved full-time into the series in 2008. Since 2009, he has only had part-time drives, so became a contractor and renovator in Montreal, trading in real estate in Las Vegas, as well as being a color commentator for television coverage of various racing series. He last competed part-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, driving the No. 32 Ford Fusion for Go FAS Racing. Carpentier is now the president of a home construction firm in Quebec.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1999 CART season</span> Sports season

The 1999 FedEx Championship Series season, the twenty-first in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing. It consisted of 20 races, beginning in Homestead, Florida on March 21 and concluding in Fontana, California on October 31. The season was marred by the fatal accidents of Gonzalo Rodríguez during practice for the Laguna Seca round and Greg Moore at the final round, in addition to various injuries that took several drivers out of championship contention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1993 PPG Indy Car World Series</span> Sports season

The 1993 PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 15th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART under the name "IndyCar". The season consisted of 16 races. Nigel Mansell was the national champion as well as the Rookie of the Year. The 1993 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Emerson Fittipaldi won the Indy 500, his second career victory in that event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 CART PPG Indy Car World Series</span> Sports season

The 1984 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season, the sixth in the CART era of U.S. open-wheel racing, consisted of 16 races, beginning in Long Beach, California on March 31 and concluding in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 10. The PPG Indy Car World Series Drivers' Champion was Mario Andretti and the Indianapolis 500 winner was Rick Mears. Rookie of the Year was Roberto Guerrero. The 68th Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by the USAC, but counted in the CART points standings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1990 CART PPG Indy Car World Series</span> Sports season

The 1990 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 12th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART. The season consisted of 16 races, and one non-points exhibition event. Al Unser Jr. was the national champion, and the rookie of the year was Eddie Cheever. The 1990 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Arie Luyendyk won the Indy 500, his first-ever victory in championship-level competition, and the fastest 500 until the 2013 Indianapolis 500.

The 2004 Champ Car World Series season was the 26th overall season in the CART/Champ Car genealogy, and the first under the ownership of Open-Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) as the Champ Car World Series. It began on April 18, 2004, and ended on November 7 after 14 races. For sponsorship purposes, it was branded as Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. The Drivers' Champion was Sébastien Bourdais. The Rookie of the Year was A. J. Allmendinger.

The 2003 Champ Car World Series, the twenty-fifth and final in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing, consisted of 18 races, beginning in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States on February 23 and concluding in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia on October 26. For sponsorship purposes, it was branded as Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 CART season</span> Sports season

The 2002 FedEx Championship Series season, the twenty-fourth in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing, consisted of 19 races, beginning in Monterrey, Mexico on March 10 and concluding in Mexico City on November 17. The FedEx Championship Series Drivers' Champion was Cristiano da Matta. Rookie of the Year was Mario Domínguez.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2001 CART season</span> Sports season

The 2001 FedEx Championship Series season was the twenty-third in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing. It consisted of 20 of the 22 originally scheduled races, beginning in Monterrey, Mexico on March 11 and concluding in Fontana, California on November 4. What would have been the third race in the season, the Firestone Firehawk 600 in Fort Worth, Texas, was canceled after qualifying due to safety concerns. The FedEx Championship Series Drivers' Champion was Gil de Ferran, while the Rookie of the Year was Scott Dixon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1992 PPG Indy Car World Series</span> Sports season

The 1992 PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 14th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART. The season consisted of 16 races. Bobby Rahal was the national champion, his third and final career CART title. Stefan Johansson was named the Rookie of the Year. The 1992 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Al Unser Jr. won the Indy 500 in the closest finish in the history of that event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 CART season</span> Sports season

The 2000 FedEx Championship Series season was the twenty-second in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing. It consisted of 20 races, beginning in Homestead, Florida on March 26, 2000 and concluding in Fontana, California on October 30, 2000. The FedEx Championship Series Drivers' Champion was Gil de Ferran. The Rookie of the Year was Kenny Bräck.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1997 CART PPG World Series</span> Sports season

The 1997 CART PPG World Series season was the nineteenth in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing. It consisted of 17 races, beginning in Homestead, Florida on March 2 and concluding in Fontana, California on September 28. The PPG CART World Series Drivers' Champion was Alex Zanardi. Rookie of the Year was Patrick Carpentier. Mercedes-Benz won their first and only CART engine-manufacturer's title.

The 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series season was the eighteenth in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) era of American open-wheel car racing. It consisted of 16 races, beginning in Homestead, Florida on March 3 and concluding in Monterey, California on September 8. This was the first season after the split with the Indy Racing League and the last year that CART operated as "IndyCar," with the trademark reverting to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indianapolis 500 was replaced by the U.S. 500, held in Brooklyn, Michigan.

The 1979 USAC Championship Car season consisted of seven races, beginning in Ontario, California on March 25 and concluding in West Allis, Wisconsin on August 12. The USAC National Champion was A. J. Foyt and the Indianapolis 500 winner was Rick Mears. With the exception of the Indianapolis 500, most top drivers instead competed in races sanctioned by CART.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IndyCar</span> Auto racing sanctioning body for North American open wheel racing

INDYCAR, LLC, is an American-based auto racing sanctioning body for Indy car racing and other disciplines of open wheel car racing. The organization sanctions two racing series: the premier IndyCar Series with the Indianapolis 500 as its centerpiece, and the developmental series Indy NXT. IndyCar is recognized as a member organization of the FIA through ACCUS.

References

  1. Glick, Shav (July 27, 1998). "Three spectators die at U.S. 500". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on January 20, 2012.

See also