1997 Reynard 97I

The first Reynard chassis designed, built, and driven by Adrian Reynard was in 1973. By 1998 Reynard Racing Cars were one of the largest racing car manufacturers and by 2001, the Reynard Cars had secured their 6th consecutive championship. It has an impressive racing history and is the only marque to win the first race of every new championship in which it entered. Reynard has created cars for every major single-seater Formula Series in its history, including Formula Ford 1600 and 2000, Formula Vauxhall Lotus, Formula 3, and 3000. They entered CART in March of 1994 and scored a win on their first outing. They even were awarded the CART Rookie-of-the-Year Award with Jacques Villeneuve of Team Green. By 1995, the Reynard cars were dominating the series and were awarded the Constructors' Championship, PPG Cup Championship, and a victory at Indianapolis. In 1996 and 1997, the domination continued in the CART PPG CUP competition, and was again awarded the Constructors and Drivers' Championship.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007

This Reynard 97I was raced by Adrian Fernandez for PKV during the 1997 - 1999 seasons. The 1998 PKV car crashed very badly so they reverted back to the 1997 car and updated it with some more modern bodywork and used it for part of the 1998 season. In 1999, their Swift entry was put through winter testing where it was discovered that it failed to have the necessary speed. So for the second year in a row, the 1997 car with the 1998 bodywork was put into service. It was given an updated suspension and used as the team's main entry. Amazingly, it did rather well in its third year of service, winning at Motegi and outpacing the more modern competition. Due to the conglomerate of body pieces on the car, it was given the nickname 'Frankenstein'.

This car is powered by a 2.65 liter Cosworth XD engine that is capable of producing 850 horsepower with the help of a turbocharger. Thanks to owner J. Burke for the help with the information.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007