CART's response to pop-off valve fiasco

"All FedEx Championship Series engine manufacturers were notified earlier this week that all Champ Cars would be fitted with the extended manifold pressure relief valve, beginning today at Detroit. The 3/4-inch extension, situated at the base of the manifold pressure relief valve, was mandated to reduce the potential influence of airflow regarding the operation of the valve.

"The valves, which have a maximum allowable intake manifold pressure of 37 inches, are provided by CART to all competitors each race weekend."

"As the sanctioning body, CART has the obligation to implement any changes it deems necessary to insure the integrity of the sport as well as for the best interest of all competitors," Kirk Russell, CART Vice-President of Competition. "The valves are the property of CART and maintained by the sanctioning body to ensure the operation of all valves is as identical as possible."

The components to modify the valve were manufactured by Metalore, the same manufacturer of the CART manifold pressure relief valve.

Jeff Horton, CART Vice-President of Electronics: "The first run of parts was manufactured in time for the CART Select Open Test held Tuesday at Michigan Speedway with five teams. All three manufacturers - Ford, Honda and Toyota - were involved in the test. At the time of the test, the engine manufacturers were informed of our intentions that the component would be implemented this weekend. The modification will remain in effect until further notice."