Category CART Designer(s) David Bruns Successor Swift 009.c | Constructor Swift Engineering Predecessor none Chassis carbon fiber monocoque | |
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The Swift 007.i was the first CART chassis designed and built by Swift Engineering. Newman-Haas Racing entered two cars during the 1997 CART season.
Contents
History
Swift Engineering co-founder David Bruns designed the 007.i (i indicating IndyCar, the rival series to CART). The first foundations of designing a Champ Car were laid in 1993 when Swift Engineering built a $5 million dollar windtunnel. Designing the car started in 1994 and the first car was completed in early 1997. The car was advertised as costing $ 450.000.
Newman-Haas Racing driver Michael Andretti conducted the first tests at Phoenix International Raceway. After the PIR test testing continued at Firebird International Raceway with Andretti and Christian Fittipaldi. In 1997 the Swift 007.i was the only CART chassis constructed in the United States. The Reynard, Lola and Penske chassis were all constructed in England. Newman-Haas Racing fitted the chassis with Ford-Cosworth engines.
Michael Andretti had a spectacular debut during the 1997 Grand Prix of Miami. Andretti won the race and set the fastest lap. It turned out to be the only win for the Swift chassis. Another four podium finishes were scored by Andretti. However, a number of retirements prevented him to be a championship contender. Andretti finished eighth in the championship standings. Teammate Christian Fittipaldi missed six races, his best finish were two fourth places. Roberto Moreno replaced Fittipaldi during six events score a best result of fifth.
BOSS SuperCup Series
One of the Swift 007.i chassis later appeared in historic racing events. Mike Biangardi drove the car at Road Atlanta in the 2004 season.
Complete CART results
(key) (Results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)