Panoz DP01

Racing car
Car_name = Panoz DP01


Category = Champ Car World Series
F1 car = N
Constructor = Panoz/Elan Technologies
Designer = Simon Marshall & Nick Alcock
Team = all 2007 Champ Car teams
Drivers = all 2007 Champ Car drivers
Chassis = Carbon Fiber monocoque
Front suspension =
Rear suspension =
Engine name = Cosworth XFE
Capacity = 2650cc
Configuration = V8
Turbo/NA = Turbocharged
Engine position = Mid-engined, longitudinally mounted
Gearbox name =
Gears = 7
Type = Semi-Automatic with paddle shift
Differential =
Fuel = methanol
Tyres = Bridgestone
Debut = 2007 Vegas Grand Prix,
Las Vegas, Nevada
Races = 14
Wins = 14
Cons_champ =
Drivers_champ =
Poles = 14
FLs = 14

The Panoz DP01 is the recently introduced Champ Car World Series spec race car that was used in the 2007 season. It was introduced to the world at the San Jose Grand Prix on July 28 2006.

The Panoz DP01 was developed to be safer, and less aero-dependent while racing closely with other cars. The new model had numerous changes from the previous Lola car, including more downforce from the underbody. Approximately 60% of the car's convert|5500|lb|abbr=on of downforce at convert|200|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on will come from the bottom of the car. This is done by directing the air in a way to create downforce on the car, by sucking it to the racetrack. This will put less dependency on the front and rear wings in the event of a failure at high speed.

Another major change from the previous car is the raised nose of the car. The nose has been moved farther above the front wing, directing more air to the underbody aerodynamics. The raised nose will also create a safer environment for the driver in the event of a head on collision with a wall or another car.Fact|date=February 2007

The driver sat more upright than in the Lola chassis, to reduce the chances of back injuries, and to accommodate the use of the HANS device.

Debut, then Early Retirement

The first Champ Car open test of the DP01 took place January 23 to January 25, 2007 at Sebring International Raceway. The second open test occurred February 12 and 13 at MSR Houston. The third and last open test before the season begins took place March 9 and 10 at Laguna Seca. The Panoz DP01's race debut was at the Vegas Grand Prix on April 8, 2007. Team Australia's Will Power won the inaugural pole and the first race with the DP01.

With the ChampCar and IRL open wheel reunification announcement in February 2008, the DP-01 will have served little more than 1 full season before being phased out of service. The final DP01 race occurred on April 20th at the ChampCar finale at Long Beach.

Sources

Information for this article was found in the October 2006 issue of Race Tech Magazine.

Links

[http://www.champcarworldseries.com/oneof/2006/chassis/ 2007 Panoz DP01 Champ Car]