A positive wheel locking device is mandatory. The exhaust gases from a Championship Car provide the power to turn the turbine of the turbocharger at speeds approaching 100,000 rpm. The turbine powers a compressor, which compresses the intake air and forces it into the intake manifold, resulting in much more efficient engine operation and a substantial increase in horsepower. Turbocharging was first introduced in Europe and is widely used on diesel engines in the truck and bus industry, and more recently in passenger cars. The allowable intake manifold pressure is limited to a maximum pressure of 40 inches of mercury absolute.
Wings are critically important to the basic concepts and performance of current Championship Cars.
The wings work to improve cornering capabilities, enhance traction and maintain a balanced vehicle. Through tiny testing probes, teams can compare different shapes and sizes in wind tunnel experiments to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the car. Research and development costs can comprise a substantial portion of a race team's budget. Front and rear wings are frequently adjusted to achieve maximum performance and handling of the race car. Though the aerodynamics are fixed when the car is on track, packages are often adjusted by the crew based on the track configuration, race car speeds and wind speed measurements.