New strategy rules for 2004

The mandatory pit-stop rule has been adjusted. Teams will be required to perform either two or three green-flag stops during a race and must have those stops completed by a certain point in the event. This should bring more strategy into play, especially when combined with the new point system that awards points for leading a race lap.

Champ Car Racing Operations will determine the number and at what point stops must be completed prior to the race weekend. All green-flag stops must include a four-tire change in order to meet the series requirements.

"We really wanted to do something that allowed the teams more flexibility in their race strategies and also allow them to take advantage of the new point system," said Champ Car Technical Director Lee Dykstra. "At the same time, we needed a system that discourages fuel-economy runs and challenges the drivers, and we think we have been able to accomplish that."

This season, any driver causing an incident that negatively affects a competitor will be immediately subjected to a drive-through penalty. In addition, if the contact results in the immediate retirement of a competitor, the offender will serve a stop-and-hold penalty on pit lane.

The protocol for the start of a race has also been revised. The polesitter must be the first car across the start/finish line at the start. Previously, the second-place qualifier was allowed to pass him once the green flag had waved to start the event.

Finally, Champ Car has stipulated that teams will no longer be allowed to scramble their radio transmissions during a race weekend.