From: Michael Powell 

CONTROLLING COSTS GOAL OF 2004 RULE CHANGES

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003 – The elimination of private testing
is a highlight of several 2004 rule changes for the Indy Racing League(R)
IndyCar(R) Series aimed at controlling costs, IRL officials announced Dec.
17. 

Other rule changes involve engine changes on race weekends, engine
manufacturer testing rules, fuel tank reduction, Open Tests and backup car
use on race weekends. 

“One of the very first principles Tony George founded the Indy Racing
League on in 1994 was controlling the costs associated with racing,” said
Brian Barnhart, senior vice president of racing operations for the Indy
Racing League. “As we enter the ninth season of IRL IndyCar Series
competition, that principle remains as something we focus on each year. The
2004 rule changes are designed to control costs and ensure a level playing
field for the IRL IndyCar Series.”

Teams will not be allowed to conduct private tests, beginning Jan. 1, 2004.
The Indy Racing League, which has sanctioned Open Tests since the fall of
1995, will sanction Open Tests at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Jan, 27-29),
Phoenix International Raceway (Feb 10-12), the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
and The Milwaukee Mile. One other Open Test may be announced in the near
future, and the Open Test dates for Indianapolis and Milwaukee will be
announced at a later date. 

Engine manufacturers Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota will be allowed three days
of manufacturer testing for full-time teams that use their engines. The
tests can take place at any track except Indianapolis. 

Indy Racing League Rookie Tests, which are typically done during private
test sessions, will be conducted at the discretion of IRL officials. 

“Limiting testing to Open Tests and manufacturer tests will level the
playing field, ensuring that each team has an equal opportunity to test
during the year,” Barnhart said. “This measure will also cut down the costs
incurred by the individual teams when it comes to track rental, travel and
the amount of money that it costs per mile each time a car goes on track.”

Rules regarding engine use on race weekends have also been changed for 2004. 

For race weekends that are two days long, teams will be required to use the
same engine for practice, MBNA Pole Qualifying and the race. On weekends
that are three days long, teams may change engines prior to MBNA Pole
Qualifying, but then must participate in qualifying, final practice and the
race with the same engine. 

Should teams be required to change engines after MBNA Pole Qualifying, they
will start the race from the rear of the starting field. 

“By reducing the number of engine changes that a team can make, we reduce
the number of engine rebuilds required during the year, which saves money
for teams and manufacturers,” Barnhart said. “This also eliminates teams
using a purpose-built qualifying engine, which may focus on short-term
power.”

Other rule changes for 2004 include reducing the fuel tank from 35 to 30
gallons and a limit of five laps for a backup or “T” car on race weekends,
unless the primary car is damaged in an accident. 

“Our drivers, teams and manufacturers have been very cooperative with our
rule changes for 2004,” Barnhart said. “We feel these changes will control
costs, level the playing field and keep IndyCar Series racing
ultra-competitive.”

The 2004 IRL IndyCar Series season begins with the Toyota Indy 300 on Feb.
29, 2004, at Homestead-Miami Speeedway. The race will be broadcast live on
ESPN.





--- Internet Rex 2.29