From: Michael Powell 

GM Supports IRL Engine Rule Change 

DETROIT, Dec. 17, 2003 - GM Racing Director Doug Duchardt voiced

GM's strong support for revisions in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series
engine rules announced on Dec. 16. Effective at the 2004 Indianapolis 500,
maximum engine displacement will be reduced from 3.5 liters to 3.0 liters. 

In the three IRL events preceding the Indianapolis 500, the engine air
scoops will be vented to reduce performance. The move from 3.5-liter (214
cubic-inch) to 3.0-liter (183ci) engines is expected to reduce output by
approximately 10 percent. 

"GM Racing strongly supports the IRL's decision to revise the engine
regulations to control speeds," said Duchardt. "The safety of
drivers, teams, officials and spectators is paramount, and we fully endorse
the IRL's initiatives. IRL officials discussed the proposed rule change
with us, and we appreciate being involved in the process." 

GM is the only manufacturer that has supplied engines to IRL teams since
the series introduced its naturally aspirated engine formula in 
January 1997. GM Racing has produced IRL engines in two displacements 4.0
liters and 3.5 liters) and development of a new 3.0-liter version of the
Chevy Indy V-8 is now underway. Since 1997, maximum engine speed, which is
regulated by a programmable rev limiter, has been adjusted four times,
ranging between 10,700 and 10,000 rpm. 

"When GM entered the IRL as an engine manufacturer, we clearly
understood that periodic revisions in the engine regulations would play a
key role in controlling speeds," Duchardt noted. "The previous
changes in maximum rpm and engine displacement have proven to be
cost-effective, and we expect the new 2004 regulations to produce positive
results as well. The decision to implement the new rules in May provides
adequate time for us to manage our parts inventory and ensures that we will
have a supply of 3.0-liter Chevy Indy V-8 engines ready for the Indy
500." 

GM Racing has a dedicated safety research program that actively seeks
to improve safety in all motorsports series. GM personnel and facilities
have been instrumental in the testing and validation of safety enhancements
such as crash data recorders, head and neck protection, rear impact
attentuators, seats and seat belts, and wheel restraints. 

"GM is committed to improving motorsports safety, and we support
the efforts of all the sanctioning bodies," Duchardt said. "It's
the right thing to do." 




--- Internet Rex 2.29