Methanol fuel is a form of alcohol that yields
more power from the engine on each piston
stroke than regular gasoline and has a much higher ignition temperature. The fuel tank
holds 35 gallons and is a sponge like, flexible
Kevlar bag that will not rupture or spray fuel
in the event of a crash. A Champ Car’s mileage
is equal to about 2 miles per gallon.
Champ Car’s ride very stiff but remain glued to
the road. Their double wishbone style
suspension allows for good control while
remaining lightweight, compact and strong.
Because the car is only 2–3 inches from the
ground the suspension does not need to travel
much vertically. In the event of a crash the
wheel tethers are designed to keep the wheels
from flying away. Lola and Reynard are the two manufacturers of Champ Car chassis which include the suspension.
Champ Car drivers wear: Undergarments
(Nomex), Driving Suit (Nomex), Balaclava (fire resistant), Shoes, Gloves and Helmet. In
the open cockpit of a Champ Car, the driver’s
head is in the slipstream of air rushing past the
car at speeds over 230mph. Therefore, the
driver’s helmet is very important. Special vents
on the helmet keep the driver’s head from
shaking and help the driver stay cool.
It is a very tight fit in the cockpit of a Champ
Car. Each seat is custom molded to its driver.
In order to get in and out of the car the
steering wheel has to be removed. An LCD
display on the steering wheel indicates rpm,
Pop-Off Valve warning, neutral gear and the
speed limiter. The telemetry data taken from
sensors around the car is displayed on the
LEDs on the dash.
