IndyCar engines reduced to 3000cc
The Indy Racing League will implement a reduction in engine swept volume in its 2004 IndyCar Series starting with the Indianapolis 500 race meeting in May. The IRL's three engine suppliers, Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota, have agreed to the change to a maximum of 3000cc, which is intended to reduce lap-speeds by as much as 20mph. Aerodynamic changes and a reduced tyre width are also being evaluated. The teams will use their existing 3500cc engines for the first two races of the season
Speeds increased dramatically following the entry of the two Japanese manufacturers last year, and a spate of serious accidents (including Tony Renna's testing fatality) has prompted the IRL to take action, backed by the manufacturers. "More than anything it is for our own peace of mind," said Tony George, the CEO of the IRL.
Toyota Motorsport's Lee White commented: "With the accidents that have happened and the potential for cars flying into the audience, there's no way we can criticise this. It is the right thing to do. We have to control the speeds, and this is the best way."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Leclerc: Sainz simply doing a better job in recent F1 races
Alonso: Stroll more sensitive to Aston F1 car handling issues I drive around
Magazine: The potential shocks to come in F1's 2025 driver market
Williams may as well “go home” if spares situation changes its F1 approach, says Albon
How motorsport is embracing the opportunities of AI
The unlikely series providing an open door to innovation
Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2023
How a lost Lotus that could have revolutionised Can-Am finally came to life
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments