1993 Penske PC-22

The Penske PC-22 was designed by Nigel Bennett and raced by Penske Racing during the 1993 CART (Champ Car World Series) season. During the sixteen-event season, the PC-22 had a dominant performance with eight victories, including a win at the Indianapolis 500. Paul Tracy scored five victories, and Emerson Fittipaldi had three, including the win at Indy.

The Penske PC-22 served as a replacement for the previous Penske car, the PC-21, which had competed alongside the older PC-20 during the 1992 IndyCar season. Designed by Nigel Bennett, the car was powered by a Ilmor-Chevrolet 265-A turbo engine and scored five victories throughout the season. Notable drivers include Fittipaldi, Tracy, and Rick Mears.

Both the PC-21 and PC-22 were powered by the Ilmor-Chevrolet 265C 161.5 cubic-inch (2,647cc) turbocharged V8 engine which was placed midship in a longitudinally mounted position. Like its predecessor, the PC22 used a carbon-fiber composite monocoque and the suspension was via double wishbones and push-rod actuated springs and dampers. The engine served as a fully stressed member, and although its specifications were similar to the preceding PC21, it had been thoroughly reworked by Ilmor in England. With assistance from a single Garrett turbocharger, the 'C' specification V8 engine delivered over 770 horsepower and was paired with a sequential six-speed gearbox. Ventilated disc brakes provided the stopping power.

With the retirement of Rick Mears, Team Penske's driver lineup for 1993 included Fittipaldi and Tracy.

The PC-22 made its racing debut at the Australian FAI IndyCar Grand Prix where it was joined by another racing debut - that of Nigel Mansell. Fittipaldi qualified his PC-22 in 2nd position and Tracy was right behind him in 3rd. During the race, Tracy was forced to retire early due to electrical problems. Fittipaldi piloted his PC-22 to a respectable 2nd.

Both of the PC-22 cars failed to finish at the next race - Phoenix - which was the first oval race of the season. The first victory for the PC-22 came at Long Beach with Tracy behind the wheel.

At the 77th Indianapolis 500, Fittipaldi qualified in 9th position with a speed of 220.150 mph. During the race, he took the lead with 16 laps to go, and would hold onto the lead to score his second career victory at the Brickyard.

Mansell had been leading on lap 184 as the field was coming to a restart. Fittipaldi had experience and was better able to judge the restart speed, quickly passing Mansell down the main stretch, a move that would earn him the victory.

The Penske Team had a podium finish at Milwaukee and disappointing results at Detroit, followed by a 1st (Fittipaldi) and 3rd (Tracy) at Portland. This was followed by a pair of 1-2 finishes at Cleveland and Toronto (Tracy in 1st in both occasions). Fittipaldi scored a 2nd place finish at New Hampshire and Tracy was in 3rd. Tracy won at Road America, Fittipaldi at Mid-Ohio, and Tracy at Laguna Seca.

Mansel, with his Cosworth-powered Lola, won the title, and Fittipalid was 2nd, just eight behind.

Privateers continued to race the PC-22 into the 1994 season, while Team Penske switched to the all-new PC23. It would contest 32 races where it won the pole on ten occasions, victories in 12 events, and 28 podium finishes. One of the most dominant open-wheel race cars ever developed, the PC-23 won both the 1994 CART season, and the 1994 Indianapolis 500 with Al Unser Jr. Penske won the Constructor's Cup, and the Manufacturer's Cup with the Ilmor-Mercedes-Benz engine.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2018