New testing rules announced

CART has announced several changes to testing rules for next season. The new testing incentives are designed to inspire Toyota Atlantic teams to move up to the Champ Car World Series, while also benefiting existing Champ Car teams that give Atlantic drivers a chance to test

Nov 5, 2003, 10:45 AM

For 2004, Champ Car teams will have eight days of testing for veteran drivers and 12 days for rookies. In addition, Atlantic teams moving up to Champ Cars will get an extra pair of days. But Champ Car teams are eligible for two extra days of testing per car, provided that they use those days to test with a driver who finished in the top 10 in the 2003 Toyota Atlantic standings.

Rules have also been put into place to ensure that several different drivers get the opportunity to test the Champ Cars, as none of the drivers on the list can run more than four of the new test days. Series champion A.J. Allmendinger heads the list of drivers that are eligible for the new program along with Ryan Dalziel, Michael Valiante, Jonathan Macri, Aaron Justus, Danica Patrick, Joey Hand, Luis Diaz, Alex Figge and Kyle Krisiloff.

CART is again looking at a Spring Training-type of pre-season test, with dates and times to be announced in the near future.