- Comptech
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Comptech is a firm that designs, engineers and builds race engines.
Comptech originated in mid '80's by preparing racing Acura Integra sedans with supercharged engines. Comptech then moved to the exotic Acura NSX powered IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) prototype cars, winning three consecutive championships in 1990, 1991 and 1992. In 1992, driving the Comptech powered machines; Parker Johnstone claimed all 11 poles in that season in the IMSA Camel Light Series. This then led Comptech to develop the Oldsmobile Aurora and Chevy V-8 engine for the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series in the late '90's through 2002 as well as producing Chevrolet V-8 engines for IMSA. Additionally in 1994 & 1995 a Comptech engine went to victory lane in the 24 Hours of Daytona Race in the World Sportscar Class.
Starting in 1991, Acura reached an agreement with the Comptech Racing to use the V6 motor of the all-new Acura NSX in Comptech's Camel Lights Spice prototype. Acura would go on to take the Lights championship in its initial year, including a class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Acura and Comptech would take the Lights championships again in 1992 and 1993, as well as another Daytona class win in 1992 and a class win at the 12 Hours of Sebring for 1993.
During the open engine builder era in IndyCar, Comptech built engines for the following teams:
- Kelley Racing with drivers Scott Sharp and Mark Dismore
- Chip Ganassi Racing with drivers Juan Pablo Montoya, Bruno Junqueira, Jimmy Vasser, Tony Stewart, Jeff Ward and Kenny Bräck
- Rahal Letterman Racing with driver Jimmy Vasser
- Bradley Motorsports with driver Buzz Calkins
- Walker Racing with driver Sarah Fisher
- Treadway Racing with drivers Arie Luyendyk, Sam Schmidt, Robby McGehee, Jason Leffler and Rick Treadway
In 2000, a Comptech Oldsmobile Aurora engine won the Indianapolis 500 piloted by Juan Pablo Montoya.
In the late 90’s and 2001 Comptech developed a Honda engine for Real Time Racing for the Speed World Challenge Series. These engines won many races and championships.
In 2002 - 2003 Comptech built engines for a number of Toyota Atlantic series teams.
In 2004 Comptech developed an engine program for Mazda in the SPEED World Challenge Series. With Comptech engines, Mazda’s Factory Race Team, Tri-Point Engineering campaigned multiple cars in the series to win the 2007 Touring Car Championship and the Manufacturers Championship. Currently, Comptech Mazda Race Engines are leading the Manufacturer and Driver Championship for the Speed World Championship.
Comptech is owned by Frederick W. Penney and Penney Racing Supply. Comptech's sister company, Penney Racing Supply is also the sole distributor of Goodyear Short Track tires west of the Mississippi River.
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Comptech Honda V6
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Comptech Honda Grand Am V6
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Comptech Honda NSX
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Comptech Honda NSX
Patrick Dempsey recently raced in the Long Beach Grand Prix using a Comptech engine.
Sources
- Race Engine Technology; August 2008, Issue 32, page 56
- Racer, November 1993, page 36
- Modified Mag, SPEED World Challenge 2008 Fan Guide, page 8
- Hot Compact & Imports; April 2008, page 44
- SCCA Pro Racing, SPEED World Challenge, page 30
External links
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