New rules aimed at attracting young teams and drivers
source:
autosport.com
CART has announced several changes to testing rules for next season. The new
testing incentives are designed to inspire Toyota Atlantic teams to move up to
the Champ Car World Series, while also benefiting existing Champ Car teams that
give Atlantic drivers a chance to test.
For 2004, Champ Car teams will have eight days of testing for veteran drivers
and 12 days for rookies. In addition, Atlantic teams moving up to Champ Cars
will get an extra pair of days. But Champ Car teams are eligible for two extra
days of testing per car, provided that they use those days to test with a driver
who finished in the top 10 in the 2003 Toyota Atlantic standings.
Rules have also been put into place to ensure that several different drivers get
the opportunity to test the Champ Cars, as none of the drivers on the list can
run more than four of the new test days. Series champion A.J. Allmendinger heads
the list of drivers that are eligible for the new program along with Ryan
Dalziel, Michael Valiante, Jonathan Macri, Aaron Justus, Danica Patrick, Joey
Hand, Luis Diaz, Alex Figge and Kyle Krisiloff.
CART is again looking at a Spring Training-type of pre-season test, with dates
and times to be announced in the near future.