CART also delineated its new engine policy for next season, reducing boost pressure in the powerplants in order to reduce power and slow the cars down, addressing driver s concerns that the speeds were reaching unmanageable levels. Intake manifold pressure will be sliced from its current 40 inches to 37in next season, resulting in a reduction of nearly 60 horsepower. The 2002 campaign will see an equal cut, with pressure slashed to 34in. After jointly exploring a variety of options, we came to the conclusion that the reduction in boost pressure was the best direction. I want to take this opportunity to thank each of our four manufacturers for their input and support in making this initiative a reality.
Speeds are relative to each respective racing circuit.
Speed reductions will vary from one track to another. We are confident this is an approach that will work effectively for all of us. CART also laid out its new guidelines for testing, which as was reported in August, would include the elimination of in-season sessions. CART will not allow any testing outside the continental United States, and will maintain a record of all testing conducted by drivers. Further restrictions on Friday s opening practice session were also handed down, limiting teams to just three sets of tires on the first day, as well as mandating that teams may only change cars once per practice session after the first 30 minutes of a green-flag run.