1996 PPG Indy Car World Series

American motor racing season February 2025 September 2026 1996 Indy Car season the first season of the IndyCar Series 1996 Indy Racing League 1996 Indy Car PPG Indy Car World Series 16 March 3 September 8 United States Jimmy Vasser United Kingdom Reynard Japan Honda Italy Alex Zanardi United States United States 1995 1997 The 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series was the 18th season of the PPG Indy Car World Series, a motor racing series recognized by its sanctioning body, IndyCar, as a top-level formula of American open-wheel car racing. It encompassed the 85th national open-wheel championship season with the rival Indy Racing League (IRL)'s 1996 and 1996–97 seasons. Teams and drivers contested 16 races, starting in Homestead on March 3 and ending in Laguna Seca on September 8, as they competed for the Drivers', Nations', Constructors', and Manufacturers' Championships; each were won by Jimmy Vasser, the United States, Reynard, and Honda. Alex Zanardi took the Jim Trueman Rookie of the Year title. The PPG Indy Car World Series Drivers' Champion was Jimmy Vasser, whose Honda/Reynard won four of the first six races, including the inaugural US 500. Rookie of the Year was Alex Zanardi. The competition soon starting catching up to Vasser, who had to fend off two late challenges from veterans: Al Unser Jr.'s consistent performance saw him come close to tying Vasser late in the season, but his hopes evaporated after a last-lap crash at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and an engine failure while leading on the final turn at Road America. Michael Andretti's resulting victory there and in Vancouver put him in contention at the final race, but a disappointing result at Laguna Seca gave Vasser the championship. Rookie driver Jeff Krosnoff and a course worker died in an accident at the Toronto round, and one week later, Emerson Fittipaldi was in a serious accident at the start of the Marlboro 500 and subsequently retired from IndyCar altogether. Teams and drivers The following teams and drivers competed in the 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series: Team Chassis Engine Tires No. Car number Driver Rounds Rounds entered Brahma Sports Team Reynard 96I Ford-Cosworth XD Goodyear 1 BRA Raul Boesel All Marlboro Team Penske Penske PC-25 Mercedes IC 108C Goodyear 2 USA Al Unser Jr. All 3 CAN Paul Tracy 1–12, 14–16 Denmark Jan Magnussen 13 Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard 96I Honda HRH Firestone 4 ITA Alex Zanardi orange R silver All 12 USA Jimmy Vasser All Walker Racing Reynard 96I Ford-Cosworth XD Goodyear 5 USA Robby Gordon All Reynard 96IFord-Cosworth XBGoodyear 15 CAN Scott Goodyear 1–2, 11, 15–16 USA Mike Groff 5 SWE Fredrik Ekblom 6 Newman/Haas Racing Lola T96/00 Ford-Cosworth XD Goodyear 6 USA Michael Andretti All 11 BRA Christian Fittipaldi All Team Scandia Lola T96/00 Ford-Cosworth XB Goodyear 7 BRA Marco Greco 1–2 CHI Eliseo Salazar 7, 9, 12–13 22 MEX Carlos Guerrero 1–3 MEX Michel Jourdain Jr. orange R silver 4, 7–9, 15–16 Hall Racing Reynard 96I Honda HRH Goodyear 8 BRA Gil de Ferran All Hogan Penske Racing Penske PC-25 Mercedes IC 108C Goodyear 9 BRA Emerson Fittipaldi 1–12 DEN Jan Magnussen orange R silver 14–16 Galles Racing International Lola T96/00 Mercedes IC 108C Goodyear 10 USA Eddie Lawson orange R silver 1–11 USA Davy Jones 12–16 Bettenhausen Motorsports Reynard 96I Mercedes IC 108C Goodyear 16 SWE Stefan Johansson All Penske PC-23 Mercedes IC 108C Goodyear 26 USA Gary Bettenhausen 6 PacWest Racing Group Reynard 96I Ford-Cosworth XB Goodyear 17 BRA Maurício Gugelmin All 21 GBR Mark Blundell orange R silver 1–2, 6–16 ITA Teo Fabi 4–5 Team Rahal Reynard 96I Mercedes IC 108C Goodyear 18 USA Bobby Rahal All 28 USA Bryan Herta All Payton/Coyne Racing Lola T96/00 Ford-Cosworth XB Firestone 19 JPN Hiro Matsushita All 34 BRA Roberto Moreno All Patrick Racing Lola T96/00 Ford-Cosworth XD Firestone 20 USA Scott Pruett All Arciero-Wells Racing Reynard 96I Toyota RV8A Firestone 25 USA Jeff Krosnoff orange R silver 1–11 ITA Max Papis orange R silver 13–14, 16 Tasman Motorsports Group Lola T96/00 Honda HRH Firestone 31 BRA André Ribeiro All 32 MEX Adrián Fernández All All American Racers Eagle MK-V Toyota RV8A Goodyear 36 ARG Juan Manuel Fangio II orange R silver All 98 USA P. J. Jones orange R silver 6–16 Della Penna Motorsports Reynard 95I Ford-Cosworth XB Goodyear 44 USA Richie Hearn orange R silver 4, 11, 16 Brix Comptech Racing Reynard 96I Honda HRH Firestone 49 USA Parker Johnstone All Project Indy Reynard 95I Ford-Cosworth XB Goodyear 64 USA Dennis Vitolo 4 Player's/Forsythe Racing Reynard 96I Mercedes IC 108C Firestone 99 CAN Greg Moore orange R silver All Sources:Hazleton Publishing 1996 49–85Indy Car World Series - 1996: Entrylist https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level1/champcar/1996-entrylist.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20251008225645/https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level1/champcar/1996-entrylist.html October 8, 2025 September 9, 2026 Speedsport Magazine Key Symbol Tire manufacturer Firestone Firestone Goodyear Goodyear Symbol Driver status orange R silver Eligible for Rookie of the Year Team changes thumb|230x230px|Toyota debuted in the PPG Indy Car World Series with their RV8 engine, which they supplied to Arciero-Wells Racing and All American Racers. By February 1996, a total of 34 cars were initially entered into the series by 21 different teams.February 20, 1996 Tentative 1996 CART Entry List as of 2/18/96 http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0295.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092245/http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0295.html June 25, 1997 September 10, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Toyota received approval from IndyCar's board of directors to field engines for a minimum of two cars for their entry to the PPG Indy Car World Series in 1996, as opposed to the two-franchise, three-car regulation that had been enacted prior to the 1994 season. They provided engines to Arciero-Wells Racing and All American Racers,October 18, 1995 Toyota Gets Relief http://www.icr.com/news/oct_1995/news0129.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625094551/http://www.icr.com/news/oct_1995/news0129.html June 25, 1997 September 10, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine the latter of the two teams hadn't competed in the series since 1986 and was supplying their own Eagle chassis.Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 42 Following the ITT Automotive Detroit Grand Prix, however, Toyota was required to comply with the mandated three-car rule. Hall Racing switched their engine supplier to Honda for the 1996 season,September 1, 1995 Hall Racing Joins Honda Ranks for 1996 http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0089.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625094702/http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0089.html June 25, 1997 September 10, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine and Chip Ganassi Racing followed suit after ending their four-year partnership with Ford-Cosworth. The team also switched their tire supplier from Goodyear to Firestone,September 19, 1995 Target/Ganassi Goes Honda http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0110.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625094950/http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0110.html June 25, 1997 September 10, 2026 Indy Car Racing MagazineJanuary 17, 1996 Ganassi to Run Firestone Tires http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0215.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092711/http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0215.html June 25, 1997 September 10, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine as did Forsythe Racing, which switched from Ford-Cosworth to Mercedes engines.Hazleton Publishing 1996 68 The Tasman Motorsports Group changed their chassis supplier from Reynard to Lola,February 9, 1996 What You Do With What You've Got http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0279.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092031/http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0279.html June 25, 1997 September 11, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine while Bettenhausen Racing used Reynard chassis instead of their year-old Penske chassis. Several teams had been formed, rebranded, or revamped prior to the 1996 season. Trucking magnate Carl Hogan ended his four-year partnership with Team Rahal in favor of a new satellite team associated with Team Penske named Hogan Penske Racing, which received chassis from Penske and engines from Mercedes.Bickhart Terry November 14, 1995 Hogan joins forces with Penske https://books.google.com/books?id=M4s0AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA19&dq=hogan+racing&article_id=4191,10200927&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiehLqq9OSWAxU2l4kEHW9tJrUQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=hogan%20racing&f=false live September 10, 2026 Reading Eagle Google News However, Team Rahal later found a new partner in late-night talk show host David Letterman.February 14, 1996 Letterman takes green flag, joins Rahal's racing team https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-rahal-letterman-19/175407247/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250818101642/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-rahal-letterman-19/175407247/ August 18, 2025 September 11, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, Indiana 29 Newspapers.com Team Green was rebranded to the Brahma Sports Team in honor of their new sponsorship from Brazilian beer company Brahma.November 21, 1995 Brahma, Kool, Belli for Team Green http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0165.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625094108/http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0165.html June 25, 1997 September 10, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Comptech Racing was renamed to Brix Comptech Racing to reflect their association with IMSA team Brix Racing.Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 46 Scandia/Simon Racing co-owners Andy Evans and Dick Simon restructured their team in an effort to focus on their individual strengths; Evans bought out the team entirely and formed Team Scandia, while Simon signed a three-year contract as the team's chief engineer and general manager.Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 66WDWS testing begins Tuesday; Evans buys out Scandia/Simon https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-wdw-testing-to-start-evans-buys-scandia/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20180107174913/https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-wdw-testing-to-start-evans-buys-scandia/ January 7, 2018 September 11, 2026 Motorsport.com Motorsport Network Project Indy owner Andreas Leberle parted ways with backers Fred Treadway and Jonathan Byrd because their desire to focus exclusively on the Indy Racing League (IRL) conflicted with Leberle's plans to enter races for both premier American open-wheel car racing championships.February 13, 1996 Project Indy Splits http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0291.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092219/http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0291.html June 25, 1997 September 11, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine A. J. Foyt Enterprises was planning on competing in the IRL and the Indy Car World Series,January 17, 1996 Foyt Files $15 Million Suit Against CART http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0216.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092719/http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0216.html June 25, 1997 September 10, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine but withdrew from the latter series after team owner A. J. Foyt filed a $15 million anti-trust suit against IndyCar in January 1996, accusing them of monopolizing the sport and pressuring their teams not to divert to the IRL.January 11, 1996 SPORTS PEOPLE: AUTO RACING; A. J. Foyt Is Suing CART http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/11/sports/sports-people-auto-racing-a-j-foyt-is-suing-cart.html subscription dead https://web.archive.org/web/20180107120249/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/11/sports/sports-people-auto-racing-a-j-foyt-is-suing-cart.html January 7, 2018 September 10, 2026 New York Times Team Scandia fielded cars in both series, while Hemelgarn Racing and Team Menard fully deflected to the IRL because of their extensive experience in the Indianapolis 500.Morrison Bob November 7, 1995 Danger on the horizon for '96 Indy 500 https://books.google.com/books?id=PUAgAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA78&dq=hemelgarn+racing&article_id=4033,1626610&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiAiaCOq-eWAxWfKlkFHc16JEwQ6AF6BAgMEAM#v=onepage&q&f=false live September 11, 2026 Sarasota Herald-Tribune 78 Google News Driver changes Paul Tracy had signed to drive for Newman/Haas Racing in the 1995 season, but the team agreed to allow Team Penske to rehire him for the 1996 season. Despite requests from Newman/Haas Racing co-owner Carl Haas to break the contract and resign with his team, Tracy refused to do so out of fear of getting sued by Team Penske owner Roger Penske,July 27, 1995 Tracy Waits On Penske's Decision http://www.icr.com/news/jul_1995/news0057.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625095611/http://www.icr.com/news/jul_1995/news0057.html June 25, 1997 September 11, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine who eventually decided to employ Tracy.Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 112 Emerson Fittipaldi moved to the Hogan Penske Racing team to maintain his association with Penske following an underwhelming season that saw him fail to contend for the title.November 14, 1995 Fittipaldi, Marlboro Latin America for Hogan/Penske Racing http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0153.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625093909/http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0153.html June 25, 1997 September 11, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine At Newman/Haas Racing, Tracy was replaced by Christian Fittipaldi,September 12, 1995 Newman/Haas Gets Fittipaldi, Stays with Ford http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0099.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625094818/http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0099.html June 25, 1997 September 11, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine whose seat at Walker Racing was then taken by Scott Goodyear in his first starts with the team since 1993January 9, 1996 Goodyear Returns To Walker http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0204.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092448/http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0204.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine after being let go by the Tasman Motorsports Group in favor of Adrián Fernández. The seat at Galles Racing International that Fernández had vacated was then taken by four-time world motorcycle champion Eddie Lawson.Bickhart Terry February 25, 1996 IndyCar, minus Indy, ready to go https://books.google.com/books?id=wRoiAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA37&dq=scott%20goodyear&pg=PA37#v=onepage&q&f=false live September 12, 2026 Reading Eagle 37 Google News thumb|230x230px|Greg Moore (pictured at the Miller 200) joined the PPG Indy Car World Series with Forsythe Racing. Raul Boesel was expected to stay with Team Rahal until he suddenly announced his move to the Brahma Sports Team after being approached to do so by Brahma.November 7, 1995 Boesel for Team Green http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0144.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625093738/http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0144.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine He took the seat of reigning series champion Jacques Villeneuve, who left the series to race for Formula One's Williams team,Widdows Rob May 2009 Damon Hill on Jacques Villeneuve: Williams team-mates https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2009/52/hill-villeneuve/ subscription live https://web.archive.org/web/20240415090341/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2009/52/hill-villeneuve/ April 15, 2024 September 12, 2026 Motor Sport 52 85 5 and was replaced by Bryan Herta at Team Rahal. Chip Ganassi Racing was thus left without a second driver, so they staged a private test between Japanese Formula 3000 driver Jeff Krosnoff and former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi at the Homestead Motorsports Complex in October 1995. Zanardi's lap times were quicker and more consistent than those of Krosnoff,Zanardi Gasparini 2004 154–157 impressing the team enough to hire him for the seasonChampionship Auto Racing Teams 1996 116 and leaving Krosnoff to race for Arciero-Wells Racing.November 7, 1995 Krosnoff for Arciero Wells http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0142.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625093715/http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0142.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Hiro Matsushita was resultantly forced to move to Payton/Coyne Racing and teamed with Roberto Moreno, who hadn't regularly competed in the series in a decade.February 13, 1996 Moreno for Payton/Coyne http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0288.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092153/http://www.icr.com/news/feb_1996/news0288.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine With Danny Sullivan out of the series after a crash in the previous year's Marlboro 500,Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 56 Formula One veteran Mark Blundell replaced him at the PacWest Racing Group for his debut Indy Car World Series season.January 17, 1996 Blundell Signs With Pacwest http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0210.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625092543/http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0210.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine 1995 Indy Lights champion Greg Moore joined the Forsythe Racing team and replaced Teo Fabi, whose loss of sponsorship from Combustion Engineering left him with no ride for the season despite a ninth-place championship result the previous year.November 14, 1995 Moore Runs at Indy; Fabi in Doubt at Forsythe http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0155.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625093930/http://www.icr.com/news/nov_1995/news0155.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Juan Manuel Fangio II, the winningest driver in IMSA GTP history, signed for All American Racers.Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 90 Fredrik Ekblom was poised to join Brix Comptech Racing, the team with which he won his class in the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona, before he was dropped in favor of Parker Johnstone because the team's sponsor Motorola expressed their preference for an American driver.Newbold James September 20, 2022 What could have been: How a future tin-top ace was thwarted in IndyCar https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/what-could-have-been-how-a-future-tin-top-ace-was-thwarted-in-indycar/10371492/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20220920121137/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/what-could-have-been-how-a-future-tin-top-ace-was-thwarted-in-indycar/10371492/ September 20, 2022 September 12, 2026 Autosport Motorsport Network Because of their relationship with Motorola, the team ran their first full Indy Car World Series season.September 26, 1995 Comptech Gets Motorola http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0116.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625095047/http://www.icr.com/news/sep_1995/news0116.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Mid-season changes thumb|325x325px|Emerson Fittipaldi (pictured in 2015) retired from the Indy Car World Series after a crash in the Marlboro 500. Two crashes on the weekend of the IndyCar Rio 400 led to the first driver changes of the season. After Goodyear suffered injuries in a practice crash at Rio that kept him out of the series for months,March 21, 1996 Scott Goodyear Resting At Home In Indianapolis https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/ts_n0321.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260912134945/https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/ts_n0321.html September 12, 2026 September 12, 2026 Speedcenter Walker Racing initially had no plans to field their second entry until Goodyear returned,March 21, 1996 Walker Plans Uncertain http://www.icr.com/news/mar_1996/news0332.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625091547/http://www.icr.com/news/mar_1996/news0332.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine but later hired Mike Groff and Ekblom to take Goodyear's seat in the Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix and the U.S. 500, respectively.April 18, 1996 Latest News & Notes From Around IndyCar https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/ts_n0418.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260912174140/https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/ts_n0418.html September 12, 2026 September 12, 2026 Speedcenter Goodyear came back to compete in the Molson Indy Toronto and the season's final two rounds.August 22, 1996 News Tidbits From Around IndyCar https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/sc_n0822.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260912180813/https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/sc_n0822.html September 12, 2026 September 12, 2026 Speedcenter Mark Blundell was substituted by Fabi for the Long Beach and Nazareth races because of injuries that he sustained during the Rio event.March 27, 1996 Blundell Out of Oz http://www.icr.com/news/mar_1996/news0345.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625091733/http://www.icr.com/news/mar_1996/news0345.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine The PacWest Racing Group did not field a second entry at Surfers Paradise because they felt there was too little time to prepare a car for a different driver.March 22, 1996 Mark Blundell Sidelined For Australia IndyCar GP https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/ts_n0322.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260912185010/https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/ts_n0322.html September 12, 2026 September 12, 2026 Speedcenter Neither Marco Greco nor teammate Carlos Guerrero lasted more than three races with Team Scandia.Hazleton Publishing 1996 79 Greco expressed anger at the team's mechanical issues at Rio, having blown three engines throughout the weekend, and threatened to impound their equipment. Although Greco went on to score a championship point, he was fired shortly thereafterApril 3, 1996 Greco Out http://www.icr.com/news/apr_1996/news0353.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625091003/http://www.icr.com/news/apr_1996/news0353.html June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine and replaced with Eliseo Salazar for four races. After a string of crashes, Guerrero was let go by the team in favor of countryman Michel Jourdain Jr. for six races.Hazleton Publishing 1996 79 Della Penna Motorsports entered the Indy Car World Series with 1995 Toyota Atlantic champion Richie Hearn for the races at Long Beach, Toronto, and Laguna Seca.Hazleton Publishing 1996 79 Project Indy was unable to secure sponsorship for a full-time campaign in 1996, but fielded a car for Dennis Vitolo at Long Beach after acquiring a year-old Reynard chassis which was converted to fit a Ford-Cosworth engine with assistance from the PacWest Racing Group.Hazleton Publishing 1996 79 Gary Bettenhausen started his first race in three years with Bettenhausen Motorsports at the U.S. 500. P. J. Jones also entered the race, but withdrew and instead made his debut in the Miller Genuine Draft 200 for All American Racers.Cavin Curt May 25, 1996 Bettenhausen qualifies in the nick of time https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500-qualif/138101119/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240105182600/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500-qualif/138101119/ January 5, 2024 September 12, 2026 The Indianapolis Star 59 Newspapers.com He went on to complete the rest of the season with the team. Following Krosnoff's death at Toronto, Max Papis took his seat for three of the final four rounds of the season.August 6, 1996 Max Papis Joins Arciero-Wells Racing https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/sc_n0806_1.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260912230901/https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/sc_n0806_1.html September 12, 2026 September 12, 2026 Speedcenter Galles Racing International replaced Lawson with Davy Jones starting from the Marlboro 500 to evaluate the car's performance,Roose Bill L. July 27, 1996 Ribiero sets track record with 235.714 in practice https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1996-michigan-500-pra/127757055/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230708142603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1996-michigan-500-pra/127757055/ July 8, 2023 September 12, 2026 Detroit Free Press Brooklyn, Michigan 21 Newspapers.com as the team and Lawson were both displeased over the latter's rate of progress in his rookie season.Phillips David July 24, 1996 News From IndyCar and the IRL http://www.icr.com/cgi-win/webster2i.exe?4977%inputnewsId=20 dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625090522/http://www.icr.com/cgi-win/webster2i.exe?4977%inputnewsId=20 June 25, 1997 September 12, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine 1994 British Formula Three titlist Jan Magnussen substituted for Tracy and Emerson Fittipaldi, both of whom had been injured at Michigan. Tracy only missed the Mid-Ohio round, while Fittipaldi sat out the remainder of the seasonPhillips David August 7, 1996 New Driver for Penske http://www.icr.com/cgi-win/webster2i.exe?4977%inputnewsId=23 dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625090455/http://www.icr.com/cgi-win/webster2i.exe?4977%inputnewsId=23 June 25, 1997 September 13, 2026 Indy Car Racing MagazineCHAMPCAR/CART: Magnussen to drive for Penske in 1996 https://motorsport.com/indycar/news/champcar-cart-magnussen-to-drive-for-penske-in-1996/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121016130641/https://motorsport.com/indycar/news/champcar-cart-magnussen-to-drive-for-penske-in-1996/ October 16, 2012 September 13, 2026 Motorsport.com Motorsport Network and ultimately never raced again after surviving a plane crash near his farm in Brazil.Emerson Fittipaldi https://www.formula1.com/en/information/drivers-hall-of-fame-emerson-fittipaldi.2H5252hs7KMUh5HBXoYdoW live https://web.archive.org/web/20260709112212/https://www.formula1.com/en/information/drivers-hall-of-fame-emerson-fittipaldi.2H5252hs7KMUh5HBXoYdoW July 9, 2026 September 13, 2026 Formula One Formula One World Championship Limited Schedule The 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series schedule was announced on June 11, 1995.June 11, 1995 Rio on 1996 CART Slate http://www.icr.com/news/jun_1995/news0035.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625095905/http://www.icr.com/news/jun_1995/news0035.html June 25, 1997 September 13, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Round Date Race Track Location 1 March 3 Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami white O silver Homestead Motorsports Complex USA Homestead, Florida 2 March 17 IndyCar Rio 400 white O silver Emerson Fittipaldi Speedway BRA Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 3 March 31 Bartercard IndyCar Australia peachpuff S silver Surfers Paradise Street Circuit AUS Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4 April 14 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach peachpuff S silver Long Beach Street Circuit USA Long Beach, California 5 April 28 Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix white O silver Nazareth Speedway USA Nazareth, Pennsylvania 6 May 26 U.S. 500 white O silver Michigan International Speedway USA Brooklyn, Michigan 7 June 2 Miller Genuine Draft 200 white O silver Milwaukee Mile USA West Allis, Wisconsin 8 June 9 ITT Automotive Detroit Grand Prix peachpuff S silver Raceway on Belle Isle Park USA Detroit, Michigan 9 June 23 Budweiser/G.I. Joe's 200 lightblue R silver Portland International Raceway USA Portland, Oregon 10 June 30 Medic Drug Grand Prix of Cleveland lightblue R silver Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport USA Cleveland, Ohio 11 July 14 Molson Indy Toronto peachpuff S silver Exhibition Place CAN Toronto, Ontario 12 July 28 Marlboro 500 white O silver Michigan International Speedway USA Brooklyn, Michigan 13 August 11 Miller 200 lightblue R silver Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course USA Lexington, Ohio 14 August 18 Texaco/Havoline 200 lightblue R silver Road America USA Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin 15 September 1 Molson Indy Vancouver peachpuff S silver Concord Pacific Place CAN Vancouver, British Columbia 16 September 8 Bank of America 300 lightblue R silver Laguna Seca Raceway USA Monterey, CaliforniaSources:Indy Car World Series - 1996: Racing Calendar https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level1/champcar/1996-calendar.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260414083926/https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level1/champcar/1996-calendar.html April 14, 2026 September 8, 2026 Speedsport MagazineChampionship Auto Racing Teams 1996 16–37 Key Symbol Track type white O silver Oval track lightblue R silver Road course peachpuff S silver Street circuit Schedule changes The most notable exclusion from the schedule was the Indianapolis 500, which had been moved to the IRL.Miller Robin June 11, 1995 It's IndyCar, but the 1996 series schedule has no Indy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/19140698/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250815032529/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/19140698/ August 15, 2025 September 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Detroit, Michigan 25 Newspapers.com Phoenix International Raceway and New Hampshire International Speedway also deflected to the rival league.June 9, 1995 IndyCar Loses New Hampshire to the Indy Racing League http://www.icr.com/news/jun_1995/news0029.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625095810/http://www.icr.com/news/jun_1995/news0029.html June 25, 1997 September 13, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine In response to new rules implemented by the IRL that prevented IndyCar competitors from racing in the 80th Indianapolis 500, IndyCar staged a 500 mi km on race on the same day at Michigan International Speedway, named the U.S. 500.Bonkowski Jerry May 26, 2021 25 Years Ago, CART Used the U.S. 500 to Take Down the Indy 500 https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a36543074/25-years-ago-cart-gave-the-finger-indy-500/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20220908065912/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a36543074/25-years-ago-cart-gave-the-finger-indy-500/ September 8, 2022 September 13, 2026 Autoweek Hearst Autos Two tracks debuted on the series' calendar in 1996. After one year on the Bicentennial Park street circuit, the Grand Prix of Miami was moved to the newly-built Homestead Motorsports Complex.Long Gary May 10, 1995 Miami Prix loses, gains https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-miami-prix-loses-gains/155033515/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20241204094426/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-miami-prix-loses-gains/155033515/ December 4, 2024 September 13, 2026 The Miami Herald Indianapolis, Indiana 38 Newspapers.com The IndyCar Rio 400 at the Emerson Fittipaldi Speedway was added to capitalize on the series' increasing amount of Brazilian drivers, but because of IndyCar's agreement with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA; motorsports' international governing body) to avoid hosting road course events outside of the United States, a trapezoid-shaped oval was built on the grounds of the circuit.Jacarepaguá https://www.racingcircuits.info/south-america/brazil/jacarepagua.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260826012109/https://www.racingcircuits.info/south-america/brazil/jacarepagua.html August 26, 2026 September 13, 2026 Racing Circuits The event seemed to be in jeopardy less than a month before it was scheduled to commence when IndyCar Vice President of Competition Kirk Russell deemed the circuit "unusable" because of its poorly-paved track surface, but the circuit was completed with less than a week before the race and received praise from drivers.Hazleton Publishing 1996 99 Background Formation of Indy Racing League thumb|237x237px|Tony George (pictured in 2007) formed the Indy Racing League and prevented IndyCar teams from competing in the 80th Indianapolis 500 with the 25/8 rule. Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Tony George joined IndyCar (then known as Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART))'s board of directors in July 1992, but resigned in January 1994 due to his displeasure over the direction of the sport.January 8, 1994 CART hires Craig, but George resigns https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/138174296/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240106203740/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/138174296/ January 6, 2024 September 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, Indiana 18 Newspapers.com Several months later, he announced the creation of the IRL, which was meant to serve as a more affordable alternative to the Indy Car World Series and exclusively featured oval track races, including the Indianapolis 500, the series' marquee event, to draw in American drivers with grassroots short track racing experience.Lerner Preston April 8, 2021 Remembering the split that nearly sunk Indycar racing https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/us-scene/indycar/remembering-the-split-that-nearly-sunk-indycar-racing/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20260518171841/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/us-scene/indycar/remembering-the-split-that-nearly-sunk-indycar-racing/ May 18, 2026 September 13, 2026 Motor SportMiller Robin July 9, 1994 George unveils name, leaders for new circuit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-indy-racing-league/138159485/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240106174504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-indy-racing-league/138159485/ January 6, 2024 September 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star 52 Newspapers.com This led to a schism between the two American open-wheel car racing leagues which is commonly referred to as the CART–IRL split.August 29, 2026 What was ‘The Split’? https://racer.com:443/racerpedia/series-guides/indycar/what-was-the-split live https://megalodon.jp/2026-0913-2334-36/https://racer.com:443/racerpedia/series-guides/indycar/what-was-the-split September 13, 2026 September 13, 2026 Racer After IndyCar revealed that their Road America race would conflict with the IRL's New Hampshire event, George instituted a rule, known as the 25/8 rule, which ensured that 25 of the 33 starting positions for the Indianapolis 500 would be occupied by IRL entrants.Pruett Marshall May 28, 2016 The Oral History of The Split, the Event that Transformed American Motorsports https://autos.yahoo.com/oral-history-split-event-transformed-140601430.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260913164149/https://autos.yahoo.com/oral-history-split-event-transformed-140601430.html September 13, 2026 September 13, 2026 Yahoo! Autos Enraged by the new regulation, IndyCar team owners and officials sought a race that could showcase their drivers and sponsors in order to embarrass the IRL on its biggest stage.Patterson Doug May 21, 2016 Indianapolis 500 Retrospective – The CART Era https://theparcferme.com/indianapolis-500-retrospective-the-cart-era/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230208075337/https://theparcferme.com/indianapolis-500-retrospective-the-cart-era/ February 8, 2023 September 13, 2026 The Parc Fermé Podcast The U.S. 500 was thus announced in December 1995 to be held in direct competition with the 80th Indianapolis 500,Whitaker 2015 73 and was advertised with the slogan: "The real cars, the real stars."Williams Charean July 26, 1997 Sorry, CART: U.S. 500 is big in name only https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-1997-us-500-not-big/127784344/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230708070641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-1997-us-500-not-big/127784344/ July 8, 2023 September 23, 2026 The Orlando Sentinel Orlando, Florida 104 Newspapers.com To build prestige for the new event, the winner of the race would receive $1 millionJanuary 19, 1995 US 500 to Indianapolis 500: We will bury you https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-us-500-purse/138350945/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240109043440/https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-us-500-purse/138350945/ January 9, 2024 September 13, 2026 Quad-City Times Detroit, Michigan 25 Newspapers.com Associated Press and the Vanderbilt Cup, the first trophy ever awarded in American motor racing history. A meeting between George and Penske to try and reach an agreement between IndyCar and the IRL in February 1996 spurred rumors of the U.S. 500 being cancelled, which were quickly dispelled by Penske.Crowe Steve February 24, 1996 Penske says U.S. 500 will not be cancelled https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press/138353698/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240109050903/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press/138353698/ January 9, 2024 September 13, 2026 Detroit Free Press Detroit, Michigan Newspapers.com At the end of the year, the Indy Car World Series' governing body lost permission to continue using the IndyCar trademark that had been leased to them by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and reverted to their original brand name, CART, for the 1997 season onward.Miller Robin March 2, 1997 Call them anything you want, as long as you know they're the fastest cars around https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18017851/cart_1997/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20180306023443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18017851/cart_1997/ March 6, 2018 September 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Homestead, Florida 46 Newspapers.com Rule changes Technical For 1996, the chassis penetration resistance was increased by 43 percent in order to give more car control to the drivers. The under-wing exit was decreased from 43 by 6 in mm to 35 by 6 in mm. The minimum clearance of bodywork around the rear tire was increased from 1.25 in mm out to 4 in mm out. Restrictions were also placed on the placement of rear brake scoops on all tracks, front wings and sidepods for the short ovals and road courses, and the rear wing angle for superspeedways.May 19, 1995 New CART Rules Designed To Slow Cars Down http://www.icr.com/news/may_1995/news0024.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625100202/http://www.icr.com/news/may_1995/news0024.html June 25, 1997 September 13, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine The new regulations were expected to reduce downforce by about 30 percent.October 4, 1995 Newman / Haas Tests '96 Regs http://www.icr.com/news/oct_1995/news0118.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625094320/http://www.icr.com/news/oct_1995/news0118.html June 25, 1997 September 13, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Safety advancements To improve driver safety, the thickness of the chassis' outer body around the driver's torso increased from 0.07 in mm out to 0.1 in mm out, and the sidepods' mandated height was also boosted from 12 in mm out to at least 14 in mm out through the usage of aluminum or nomex honeycomb. Roll bar and cockpit padding were both heightened and cockpit side panels were added to soften impacts in high-speed crashes and reduce head and neck trauma; the minimum required height of the panels was to the mid-point of the driver's helmet. Sporting Several rules were implemented starting from the U.S. 500. Immediately after a caution flag, pit road was closed until the pace car bunched up the field, after which the cars on the lead lap would be allowed to make pit stops, followed by lapped cars the following lap. During restarts, lead-lap cars would be aligned on the high side of the track and lapped cars on the low side. Stop-and-go penalties were replaced with drive-through penalties.Cavin Curt Ambrogi Mark May 26, 1996 U.S. 500 borrowing rules from NASCAR https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500/138109153/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240105202947/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500/138109153/ January 5, 2024 September 25, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, Indiana 38 Newspapers.com Season report Pre-season testing A pre-season test titled Spring Training was conducted at the Homestead Motorsports Complex from Monday, February 5 to Friday, February 9. The sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday morning, and Friday took place on the track's oval circuit, while the sessions on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday occurred on the road course configuration.January 30, 1996 Spring Training up Next http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0256.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625093215/http://www.icr.com/news/jan_1996/news0256.html June 25, 1997 September 13, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Jimmy Vasser was the only driver to exceed the 195 mph km/h on mark, setting the top lap speed of 195.938 mph km/h on within the waning minutes of the last session.February 13, 1996 Inaugural Spring Training A Big Hit https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/TS_N0213.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20260913214948/https://speedcenter.com/archive/news96/TS_N0213.html September 13, 2026 September 13, 2026 Speedcenter Homestead, Florida Opening rounds thumb|230x230px|The Reynard 96I won the Constructors' Cup and was used by Jimmy Vasser to win his sole Drivers' Championship. Rain significantly affected the weekend of the season-opening Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami, forcing the qualifying session to be moved to the day of the race for the first time since 1987March 3, 1996 IndyCar qualifying, racing today https://books.google.com/books?id=eBwqAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA14&dq=indycar%20homestead&pg=PA14#v=onepage&q=indycar%20homestead&f=false live September 14, 2026 Toledo Blade Homestead, Florida 14 Google News Associated Press and prompting a red flag on the 33rd lap.Vasser Leaves No Doubt, Wins the Miami GP Convincingly https://speedcenter.com/archive/races96/01Homestead/hs_wrapup.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20250119033512/https://speedcenter.com/archive/races96/01Homestead/hs_wrapup.html January 19, 2025 September 14, 2026 Speedcenter Tracy set the pace in every preliminary session of the weekend, including qualifying for the pole position, and opened margins of up to six seconds over his fellow competitors until a lap-84 caution flag for debris on the track gave drivers an opportunity to make their final pit stops. As Tracy exited his stall, he was suddenly pulled back with a broken transmission and retired from the race.Harris Mike March 4, 1996 Vasser wins Marlboro, snaps 0-for-56 skid https://books.google.com/books?id=3v5TAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA5&dq=indycar%20homestead&pg=PA5#v=onepage&q=indycar%20homestead&f=false live September 14, 2026 The News 5 Google News Gil de Ferran subsequently assumed the lead, but he was mired behind slower traffic on the last restart and passed by Vasser, who led the rest of the race to take his first career victory.March 6, 1996 Homestead Reflections http://www.icr.com/news/mar_1996/news0317.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625091335/http://www.icr.com/news/mar_1996/news0317.html June 25, 1997 September 14, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine De Ferran came in second, and Robby Gordon beat Scott Pruett to the finish line by 0.004 seconds for third place.Hazleton Publishing 1996 93 Zanardi ran as high as fifth place in his debut start before his left-rear tire loosened under caution, sending him spinning into the wall.Hazleton Publishing 1996 92Zanardi Gasparini 2004 166 Johnstone was not medically cleared to start the race after getting concussed in a practice crash.Hazleton Publishing 1996 95 The inaugural IndyCar Rio 400 saw drivers struggle to adapt to the slippery surface of the Emerson Fittipaldi Speedway, with Goodyear and Christian Fittipaldi being hospitalized in separate practice accidents. Zanardi led teammate Vasser and André Ribeiro to his maiden pole position.March 17, 1996 Zanardi grabs IndyCar pole in Brazil https://books.google.com/books?id=sWUfAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA22&dq=indycar%20rio&pg=PA22#v=onepage&q=indycar%20rio&f=false live September 14, 2026 The News-Journal 22 Google News He maintained the lead for 59 of the first 60 laps before pitting under a caution period, allowing de Ferran to assume his position until he ran out of fuel and slowed to a halt on the 80th lap.Hazleton Publishing 1996 99, 101Ribeiro Wins Rio 400 http://www.icr.com/races/rio400/results.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625084713/http://www.icr.com/races/rio400/results.html June 25, 1997 September 15, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Zanardi and Al Unser Jr. moved through the field before losing several positions during the second cycle of green-flag pit stops, leaving Moore and Ribeiro to contend for the win. Ribeiro lost the lead to Moore after over-braking at the last corner on a restart,Hazleton Publishing 1996 99 but reclaimed the position when Moore's engine failed 18 laps shy of the finish. After Gordon crashed on the 124th lap, Rebeiro successfully fended off Unser and Pruett in the final four-lap stint to achieve an emotional victory at his home country. The track's namesake driver, Emerson Fittipaldi, ran out of fuel on lap 61 and finished in 11th, two laps behind the leaders. Blundell suffered a brake failure and slammed the turn-four concrete wall at 196 mph km/h on on the tenth lap;Iorizzo Ellie February 27, 2024 Mark Blundell and Richard Hammond relive near-fatal car crashes https://uk.news.yahoo.com/mark-blundell-richard-hammond-relive-040000041.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240229101922/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/mark-blundell-richard-hammond-relive-040000041.html February 29, 2024 September 15, 2026 Yahoo! News the injuries he sustained forced him to miss the next three rounds.Hazleton Publishing 1996 67 Ahead of the Bartercard IndyCar Australia, Firestone racing director Al Speyer revealed his company had made "significant gains in our street course tires over the winter,"Vasser Goes Two for Three, Firestone Batting 1.000 http://www.icr.com/races/australia/results.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19971013104441/http://www.icr.com/races/australia/results.html October 13, 1997 September 15, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine which was made evident as Vasser took his first career pole position by a scant 0.017 seconds over PruettHazleton Publishing 1996 103 and went on to lead 60 of 65 laps en route to his second victory, which gave him the Drivers' Championship lead.Eubanks Michael March 31, 2020 March 31 in Motorsports History: Jimmy Vasser wins Surfers Paradise https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/march-31-in-motorsports-history-jimmy-vasser-surfers-paradise-cart-indycar live https://web.archive.org/web/20240529144600/https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/march-31-in-motorsports-history-jimmy-vasser-surfers-paradise-cart-indycar May 29, 2024 September 15, 2026 NBC Sports Vasser had to make an extra pit stop because his faulty refueling system prevented him from taking on a full load of fuel, but Pruett was unable to take advantage of Vasser's hindrance due to concerns over his engine's fuel consumption. He still finished in second place, while Moore claimed his first podium result in thirdHazleton Publishing 1996 103 and Maurício Gugelmin recovered from dropping to 19th after spinning on lap 24 to finish fourth.Hazleton Publishing 1996 106 At the next round, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, an engine failure from Gordon late in the final qualifying session ensured de Ferran the pole position over Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Zanardi and Vasser.Hazleton Publishing 1996 109 De Ferran was largely unchallenged throughout the race, but his bid for a win was ruined when his hose clamp loosened on the 101st lap, which depleted his engine's horsepower. His mechanical issue allowed Vasser to assume the lead for the final four laps to take his third win in four races, padding out his championship lead to 23 points over Pruett, who was hindered by a broken ignition coil. Johnstone, in second, earned his and his team's first podium result, while de Ferran was demoted to fifth place and said that the race was "the biggest disappointment in my career."Hazleton Publishing 1996 109Vasser Makes It Three Out Of Four at Long Beach http://www.icr.com/races/longbeach/results.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19971013104402/http://www.icr.com/races/longbeach/results.html October 13, 1997 September 21, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine The race also saw controversy down the finishing order. Tracy, Gordon, and Gugelmin wore a satirical shirt at the pre-race drivers' meeting which read "Michael Andretti's Driving School for the Blind".Woolford Dave April 25, 1996 Drivers unhappy with Andretti https://books.google.com/books?id=SlxPAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA16&dq=indycar%20long%20beach&pg=PA16#v=onepage&q=indycar%20long%20beach&f=false live September 21, 2026 Toledo Blade 16 Google News Andretti was later placed on probation for the rest of the season for collisions with Tracy at Surfers Paradise and the PacWest Racing drivers at Long Beach, while Newman/Haas and PacWest Racing were each fined $5,000 for a post-race fight between the team's pit crews.Long Beach Aftermath http://www.icr.com/races/longbeach/wrapup.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19971013104353/http://www.icr.com/races/longbeach/wrapup.html October 13, 1997 September 21, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine Christian Fittipaldi was also levied a $5,000 fine for shoving Moore after they both crashed in the seventh turn.Hazleton Publishing 1996 112 Tracy took the pole position for the Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix with the fastest lap on a 1 mi km on circuit in motor racing history,April 28, 1996 IndyCar pole winner sets lap record https://books.google.com/books?id=QOlEAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA6&dq=indycar%20nazareth&pg=PA6#v=onepage&q=indycar%20nazareth&f=false live Daily Union Nazareth, Pennsylvania Google News Associated Press leading Emerson Fittipaldi to a one-two qualifying result for Penske chassis for the first time since the same event in 1994.Penske Front Row at Nazareth http://www.icr.com/races/nazareth/qualifying.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19971013104316/http://www.icr.com/races/nazareth/qualifying.html October 13, 1997 September 22, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine He maintained command of the race until he skidded into the pit wall during his first stop on lap 82, injuring three of his crewmen in the process, which allowed Andretti to take the lead despite stalling on pit road two laps prior.Phillips David Home Cookin' http://www.icr.com/races/nazareth/results.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625084317/http://www.icr.com/races/nazareth/results.html June 25, 1997 September 22, 2026 Indy Car Racing MagazineApril 29, 1996 Andretti cruises at Bosch GP https://books.google.com/books?id=9KcyAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA12&dq=indycar%20nazareth&pg=PA12#v=onepage&q=indycar%20nazareth&f=false live September 22, 2026 Lawrence Journal-World 12 Google News Associated Press From there, Andretti led for the remainder of the race to earn the first win of the season for him and Goodyear tires at his home track, Nazareth Speedway.Hazleton Publishing 1996 118 Moore, who turned 21 years old on the Monday before the race, overtook Unser and Emerson Fittipaldi within the final ten laps to finish second. Tracy passed Rahal for fifth place at the final corner on the final lap, though he expressed remorse for hitting members of his pit crew. Vasser struggled with speed throughout the race and came in seventh, shrinking his championship lead to 20 points over Unser; Pruett had been demoted to third in the standings because of his eighth-place finish.Hazleton Publishing 1996 118–119 Mid-season rounds The sixth round of the season was the inaugural U.S. 500, which was treated as the series' premier event to protest new rules instituted for the 80th Indianapolis 500.December 19, 1995 IndyCar Announces US 500 on Memorial Day http://www.icr.com/news/dec_1995/news0192.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/19970625093527/http://www.icr.com/news/dec_1995/news0192.html June 25, 1997 September 23, 2026 Indy Car Racing MagazineCavin Curt May 26, 1996 It's go for first U.S. 500; CART now looking ahead https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500/138159001/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20260131135428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500/138159001/ January 31, 2026 September 23, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, Indiana 35 Newspapers.com The month of May was dampened by verbal attacks between members of IndyCar and the IRL as they sought to gain prevalence as the most prestigious championship in American open-wheel car racing.The History of CART https://cartalumni.com/history live https://web.archive.org/web/20260516180704/https://cartalumni.com/history May 16, 2026 September 23, 2026 CART Alumni Preliminary on-track activities for the U.S. 500 began with a one-day rookie orientation test on May 9.Cavin Curt May 9, 1996 As rain keeps fallin', teams cry for more track time https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/138095356/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240105165947/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/138095356/ January 5, 2024 September 24, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, Indiana 34 Newspapers.com Two days later, Vasser took advantage of overcast weather conditions to qualify on the pole position for the race, despite being hindered by mechanical issues in a practice session the day prior.May 11, 1996 U.S. 500 - Saturday http://www.icr.com/cgi-win/webster2i.exe?4976%inputraceId=5 dead https://web.archive.org/web/19971113143913/http://www.icr.com/cgi-win/webster2i.exe?4976%inputraceId=5 November 13, 1997 September 24, 2026 Indy Car Racing Magazine As the field approached the race start in three-abreast formation, however, contact between Fernández and Vasser sent the latter spinning into Herta,May 26, 2016 The divided 500: the 1996 Indy and U.S. 500s, 20 years later https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/the-divided-500-the-1996-indy-and-u-s-500s-20-years-later live https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183238/https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/the-divided-500-the-1996-indy-and-u-s-500s-20-years-later November 25, 2023 September 24, 2026 NBC Sports Indianapolis, Indiana setting off a 12-car pileup that ended up overshadowing the race.Cavin Curt May 27, 1996 Vasser takes the flag after debacle in Michigan https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500/138116051/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240105230901/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1996-us-500/138116051/ January 5, 2024 September 24, 2026 The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, Indiana 1 Newspapers.com Results and standings Races Round Race Pole position Fastest lap Race winner Report Driver Team Chassis Engine 1 USA Homestead CAN Paul Tracy CAN Greg Moore USA Jimmy Vasser Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda Report 2 BRA Rio ITA Alex Zanardi BRA Gil de Ferran BRA André Ribeiro Tasman Motorsports Group Lola Honda Report 3 AUS Surfers Paradise USA Jimmy Vasser USA Jimmy Vasser USA Jimmy Vasser Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda Report 4 USA Long Beach BRA Gil de Ferran CAN Paul Tracy USA Jimmy Vasser Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda Report 5 USA Nazareth CAN Paul Tracy BRA Emerson Fittipaldi USA Michael Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola Ford Report 6 USA Michigan 1 USA Jimmy Vasser ITA Alex Zanardi USA Jimmy Vasser Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda Report 7 USA Milwaukee CAN Paul Tracy USA Michael Andretti USA Michael Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola Ford Report 8 USA Belle Isle USA Scott Pruett BRA Christian Fittipaldi USA Michael Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola Ford Report 9 USA Portland ITA Alex Zanardi ITA Alex Zanardi ITA Alex Zanardi Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda Report 10 USA Cleveland USA Jimmy Vasser USA Jimmy Vasser BRA Gil de Ferran Jim Hall Racing Reynard Honda Report 11 Canada Toronto BRA André Ribeiro ITA Alex Zanardi MEX Adrián Fernández Tasman Motorsports Group Lola Honda Report 12 USA Michigan 2 USA Jimmy Vasser MEX Adrián Fernández BRA André Ribeiro Tasman Motorsports Group Lola Honda Report 13 USA Mid-Ohio ITA Alex Zanardi ITA Alex Zanardi ITA Alex Zanardi Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda Report 14 USA Road America ITA Alex Zanardi CAN Paul Tracy USA Michael Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola Ford Report 15 Canada Vancouver ITA Alex Zanardi ITA Alex Zanardi USA Michael Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola Ford Report 16 USA Laguna Seca ITA Alex Zanardi ITA Alex Zanardi ITA Alex Zanardi Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Reynard Honda Report Scoring system List of American Championship car racing points scoring systems Points were awarded to the top 12 finishers, the pole-sitter, and the driver who led the most laps of each race using the following structure: Position1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th11th12thPoleMost laps ledPoints2016141210865432111 Source:Points Distribution http://www.champcarworldseries.com/Results/PointsDistrib.asp dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070420122441/http://www.champcarworldseries.com/Results/PointsDistrib.asp April 20, 2007 September 12, 2026 Champ Car World Series Drivers' Championship standings Pos. Position Driver HOM USA RIO BRA SUR AUS LBH USA NAZ USA MIS1 USA MIL USA BEL USA POR USA CLE USA TOR CAN MIS2 USA MOH USA ROA USA VAN CAN LAG USA Points 1 USA Jimmy Vasser 1 8 1* 1 7 1 10 12 13 10 8 9 2 6 7 4 154 2 USA Michael Andretti 9 22 19 7 1* 23 1 1 11 19 22 22 3 1 1* 9 132 3ITA Alex Zanardi yellow RY silver 24 4* 21 24 13 17* 13 11 1* 2 2* 21 1* 3 26 1* 132 4 USA Al Unser Jr. 8 2 9 3 3 8 2* 22 4 4 13 4 13 10* 5 16 125 5 BRA Christian Fittipaldi 6 5 5 21 9 12 6 2* 3 7 7 10 7 16 3 10 110 6 BRA Gil de Ferran 2 10 11 5* 23 9 9 3 2 1* 18 19 17 25 4 25 104 7 USA Bobby Rahal 5 6 20 14 6 19 7 21 6 15 3 24 5 2 2 7 102 8 USA Bryan Herta 10 13 17 12 11 15 14 13 26 5 6 2 4 5 6 2 86 9 CAN Greg Moore orange R silver 7 18 3 22 2 13 5 20 25 3 4 17 9 23 25 6 84 10 USA Scott Pruett 4 3 2 11 8 26 12 10 23 8 10 13 21 7 20 3 82 11 BRA André Ribeiro 16 1 8 27 12 4 8 24 7 20 21 1* 8 19 21 19 76 12 MEX Adrián Fernández 11 14 23 6 10 DNS 11 4 12 6 1 20 6 13 8 11 71 13 CAN Paul Tracy 23* 19 22 4 5 7 3 17 27 9 5 Wth 12 18 29 60 14 BRA Maurício Gugelmin 26 25 4 15 15 2 15 16 16 21 12 3 26 21 24 5 53 15 SWE Stefan Johansson 19 23 6 19 19 16 27 7 9 12 17 5 11 4 17 21 43 16 GBR Mark Blundell orange R silver 17 27 5 22 5 8 11 11 6 10 20 12 24 41 17 USA Parker Johnstone Wth 16 24 2 20 11 16 14 5 25 26 18 12 11 11 13 33 18 USA Robby Gordon 3 15 16 13 22 20 17 26 10 18 9 8 18 17 10 15 29 19 BRA Emerson Fittipaldi 13 11 25 20 4 10 4 25 20 22 14 25 29 20 USA Eddie Lawson orange R silver 15 21 7 9 17 6 20 6 15 24 15 26 21 BRA Roberto Moreno 27 9 12 8 24 3 25 23 19 14 23 23 23 22 27 12 25 22 BRA Raul Boesel 14 7 13 16 21 24 26 8 28 26 24 7 22 14 23 20 17 23 ARG Juan Manuel Fangio II 21 17 15 25 25 22 19 18 14 13 28 14 20 8 19 28 5 24 DEN Jan Magnussen orange R silver 14 26 22 8 5 25 CAN Scott Goodyear 12 Wth 19 9 18 5 26 USA P. J. Jones orange R silver DNP1 24 9 24 23 20 16 25 18 13 27 4 27 ITA Max Papis orange R silver 24 9 22 4 28 JPN Hiro Matsushita 18 24 10 28 26 14 28 19 21 17 27 15 19 15 15 23 3 29 USA Richie Hearn orange R silver 10 25 17 3 30 CHI Eliseo Salazar 21 18 11 15 2 31 USA Davy Jones 12 16 24 14 14 1 32 BRA Marco Greco 25 12 1 33 MEX Carlos Guerrero 20 20 14 0 34 USA Mike Groff 14 0 35 USA Jeff Krosnoff orange R silver 22 26 18 26 18 18 18 15 17 16 162 0 36 ITA Teo Fabi 18 16DNP1 0 37 MEX Michel Jourdain Jr. orange R silver 23 23 DNS 22 16 26 0 38 USA Dennis Vitolo 17 0 39 USA Gary Bettenhausen 21 0 40 SWE Fredrik Ekblom orange R silver 25 0 Pos. Position Driver HOM USA RIO BRA SUR AUS LBH USA NAZ USA MIS1 USA MIL USA BEL USA POR USA CLE USA TOR CAN MIS2 USA MOH USA ROA USA VAN CAN LAG USA Points Source:Standings after Laguna Seca http://www.champcar.ws/Results/Standings.asp?Year=1996 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081022080337/http://www.champcar.ws/Results/Standings.asp?Year=1996 October 22, 2008 May 19, 2009 Champ Car World SeriesColorResultGoldWinnerSilver2nd placeBronze3rd placeGreen4th–6th placeLight Blue7th–12th placeDark BlueNon-points finishPurpleDid not finishRedDid not qualify (DNQ)BrownWithdrawn (Wth)BlackDisqualified (DSQ)WhiteDid not start (DNS)BlankDid not participateIn-line notationBoldPole positionItalicsRan fastest race lap*Led most race lapsyellow RY silverRookie of the Yearorange R silverRookie Notes: 1 P. J. Jones and Teo Fabi are registered in the official results for the U.S. 500 as 'withdrawn', but their withdrawal before the start of practice meant that they did not compete in any of the official sessions. 2 Jeff Krosnoff died in an accident at the Molson Indy Toronto. Nations' Cup standings Top result per race counts towards Nations' Cup. Pos Country Pts 1 USA United States 282 2 Brazil Brazil 206 3 Italy Italy 120 4 Canada Canada 111 5 Mexico Mexico 71 6 Sweden Sweden 43 7 UK United Kingdom 41 8 ARG Argentina 5 9 Denmark Denmark 5 10 Japan Japan 3 11 Chile Chile 2 Pos Country Pts Chassis Constructors' Cup Pos Chassis Pts Wins 1 GBR Reynard 96I 276 8 2 GBR Lola T9600 260 8 3 USA Penske PC-25/PC-23 139 0 4 USA Eagle MK V/96 9 0 Pos Chassis Pts Wins Engine Manufacturers' Cup Pos Engine Pts Wins 1 Japan Honda 271 11 2 USA Ford XD/XB 234 5 3 GER Mercedes 218 0 4 Japan Toyota 9 0 Pos Engine Pts Wins References Bibliography Shaw Jeremy https://archive.org/details/autocourseindyca0000shaw Indycar 1996-97: Autocourse Indy Car Yearbook 1996 Hazleton Publishing Richmond, Surrey registration 978-1-874557-07-4 Hazleton Publishing 1996 https://archive.org/details/indycarmediaguid0000unse IndyCar Media Guide & Record Book Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 Troy, Michigan en registration Championship Auto Racing Teams 1996 Zanardi Alex https://archive.org/details/alexzanardimysto0000zana Alex Zanardi: My Story Gasparini Gianluca Haynes Publishing Group 2004 978-1844251087 registration Whitaker Sigur E. The Indy Car Wars: The 30-Year Fight for Control of American Open-Wheel Racing McFarland & Company 2015 9780786498321 en Category:Champ Car seasons IndyCar IndyCar IndyCar