How Indycars became a spec formula
In the halcyon days of the CART World Series, constructors such as Chaparral, Galles, Lola, March, Penske, Reynard and Swift did battle from 1979 until the early 2000s. Cosworth, Chevrolet, Mercedes, Honda and Toyota were among the title-winning engine manufacturers.
Several years after the 1996 split that divided Indycars into two series came the beginning of its route to spec chassis when, in 2003, Indy Racing League boss Tony George demanded new rules for less-expensive cars and production-based engines. Dallara and G Force were the only two manufacturers to build chassis (Falcon was approved but the project never got going), and over time the Italian marque prevailed.
The subject is clouded by the split and reunification of Indycars. Technically, the last non-Dallara IndyCar victory…