What Is 1999 CART FedEx Championship Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 CART FedEx Championship Series was the 21st season of the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series, featuring 20 races from March to October. It was won by Juan Pablo Montoya, who secured 7 victories and 11 podium finishes en route to the title.

Key Facts

The 1999 CART season consisted of 20 races held between March 7 and October 31
Juan Pablo Montoya won the championship with 194 points, driving for Team Penske
Montoya claimed 7 race wins, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500
The FedEx Championship Series was sponsored by FedEx, marking its third year as title sponsor
Gil de Ferran finished second in the standings with 158 points

Overview

The 1999 CART FedEx Championship Series marked a pivotal year in American open-wheel racing, showcasing high-speed competition across North America and one international event. As the 21st season of the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series, it featured 20 races from March through October, drawing top drivers and teams from around the world.

This season was notable for its competitive balance and rising stars, with Juan Pablo Montoya emerging as a dominant force. The series maintained its reputation for technical innovation and close racing, despite ongoing political tensions with the rival Indy Racing League (IRL).

Seventeen drivers competed across 14 teams, including legends like Al Unser Jr. and newcomers like Montoya, highlighting a generational shift in talent.
The season opener was held on March 7 in St. Petersburg, Florida, known as the Grand Prix of Miami, setting the tone for a fast-paced year.
Montoya won seven races, including the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first foreign-born winner since 1986 and cementing his international reputation.
Team Penske dominated the constructor standings, earning 337 total points and securing the team championship with consistent top finishes.
The final race, the Marlboro 500, took place at California Speedway on October 31, featuring a dramatic last-lap pass by Montoya to clinch the title.

How It Works

The CART FedEx Championship Series operated under a points-based system designed to reward consistency and race performance across a full season. Each event contributed to driver and team standings, with additional incentives for pole positions and fastest laps.

Points System: Drivers earned points based on finishing position, with 20 points for first place, decreasing incrementally down to 1 point for 20th, plus 1 bonus point for pole.
Race Format: Most events followed a 500-kilometer or 500-mile distance, with qualifying sessions held the day before to determine starting grid order.
Engine Regulations: All teams used 2.65L turbocharged V8 engines, with Mercedes-Benz and Oldsmobile as the primary manufacturers in 1999.
Chassis Diversity: Teams could choose from Reynard, Lola, or Swift chassis, allowing for technical competition in aerodynamics and handling.
Indianapolis 500 Inclusion: The 1999 Indy 500 was part of the CART series, with 33 cars starting and Montoya leading 167 of 200 laps.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors needed FIA Super License or equivalent, and full-season entries paid entry fees averaging $50,000 per race.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five drivers in the 1999 CART FedEx Championship Series by key performance metrics:

Driver	Team	Points	Wins	Poles
Juan Pablo Montoya	Team Penske	194	7	4
Gil de Ferran	Team Penske	158	2	2
Greg Moore	Forsythe Racing	148	1	3
Dario Franchitti	Team Green	139	1	1
Michael Andretti	Team Green	131	1	2

The table illustrates Montoya’s dominance in both wins and points, with Team Penske occupying two of the top three spots. While Franchitti and Andretti showed consistency, neither could match Montoya’s peak performance, especially on oval tracks. The competitive gap between first and fifth was over 60 points, underscoring the season’s intensity.

Why It Matters

The 1999 CART season had lasting implications for motorsport, influencing driver careers, team strategies, and the broader open-wheel landscape in North America. Its blend of international talent and technical innovation set a benchmark for future series.

Montoya’s championship launched his career into Formula 1, where he joined Williams in 2001, bringing CART success to global attention.
The series highlighted declining U.S. dominance, with drivers from Colombia, Brazil, and Scotland finishing in the top five.
Team Penske’s dual success with Montoya and de Ferran reinforced its status as a premier motorsport organization.
The season’s high speeds—averaging over 220 mph at Texas Motor Speedway—raised safety concerns that later influenced track design.
TV ratings increased by 12% over 1998, thanks to dramatic finishes and improved broadcast partnerships with CBS and ESPN.
The CART-IRL split continued to impact driver movement, with only 11 of 33 Indy 500 entrants from the IRL, underscoring CART’s continued relevance.

The 1999 CART FedEx Championship Series remains a landmark season for its competitive depth, global appeal, and role in shaping modern American open-wheel racing.