CART brings in safety changes for 2002

The CART franchise board, made up of team owners from the series, met and voted at this weekend's season finale race at Fontana to introduce the extra lateral protection as well as making the use of the HANS head and neck restraint system mandatory at all races in 2002.

The change in chassis design comes in the wake of Alex Zanardi's horrific accident at the German 500 in September, during which the Italian lost both his legs during a severe side-on collision.

CART senior vice president of race operations John Lopes said: "We have concluded that we can effectively add more protection to the side area of the cars to help minimise the possibility of penetration in the event of an accident."

Allied to the chassis changes is mandating the use of the HANS system. Drivers had to wear the HANS device at all oval races this year, but the regulation is to be extended to all road courses for 2002. The rule change will apply to all CART-sanctioned series, including the Toyota Atlantic Championship and the Barber Dodge Pro Series.

"We decided it is in the best interest of our sport - as well as those who participate in it - to mandate the use of this technology in every race starting next year," said Lopes. "We believe this decision enhances the safety in our sport."