Race formats change for 2002

The CART Franchise Board has ratified the changes to the race format with immediate effect. The total allotment of fuel will be increased and fuel mileage regulations will be relaxed. On top of that, CART will introduce a mandatory minimum window between fueling stops that will be adjusted on a race-by-race basis to try to eliminate the fuel economy runs that resulted in some surprising results over the past couple of years.

Other racing changes include a return of Friday qualifying, including a bonus championship point for securing the provisional pole. That driver will be guaranteed a front row starting spot even if he falters in final qualifying. Split qualifying sessions will be a thing of the past as CART implements a policy similar to Formula 1 that limits the number of laps a driver can complete in road course qualifying.

"These enhancements add a couple of additional elements in qualifying on which fans can focus," said CART's CEO Chris Pook. "The front row 'lock' truly awards drivers that are putting it all on the line for the fans on Friday while the second-day single point bonus creates something for the drivers to shoot for, even in the event of a rain situation."

Finally, CART Chief Steward Wally Dallenbach will now have the option of red-flagging the race to insure a green flag finish if an accident occurs in the closing stages.