CHAMPCAR/CART: New Down Force Limits

Less Downforce on Short Ovals in 1999

(November 11, 1998) -- CART's board of directors has agreed to accept the advice of its technical committee and adopt the use of single element superspeedway-type wings on all ovals next year. Traditionally, CART's Champ cars have raced on shorter, one-mile ovals with the same multi-element wings used on road circuits, but will now run much smaller wings in an effort to reduce cornering speeds.

Some drivers are alarmed at the increase in cornering speeds on the short ovals in recent years and believe this is a good move. Other drivers believe the reduction in downforce will make it more dangerous in general with braking made much more difficult and a greater difference in straightline and cornering speeds.

The 'Handford Wing' used successfully in this year's U.S. and Marlboro 500s at the Michigan and California Speedways will continue in effect at these two races, run at the FedEx Championship Series' two fastest tracks.

MRN