This 1998 Reynard CART/INDY Car was campaigned by the PacWest Indy Car Team during the 1998 and 1999 CART season. It was driven by Mark Blundell of England and sponsored by Motorola. It was powered by a Mercedes Benz V-8 Turbo Charged Racing Engine that produced approximately 900 horsepower for a car that weighs about 1550 pounds. It is currently configured for a road course set up with its larger front and rear wings and chassis settings to accommodate right and left hand turns. The chassis is made of carbon fibre and originally cost $375,000 without the engine. In speedway trim it is capable of a top speed of approximately 245 MPH. It was last used as a show car for Mercedes Benz.
Bobby Rahal drove his last professional race in this car, at the California Speedway, in Fontana, in October of 1998. The car is displayed in as-raced condition, including the Ford-Cosworth V8 engine used in that event.
The names on the top of the side pod reflect each individual's well wishes to Bobby on his 'last ride.'
During the 1998 season, Bobby qualified on the front row and had a best finish of third at the Mid-Ohio event in August of 1998.
