What Is 2002 CART FedEx Championship Series

Overview

The 2002 CART FedEx Championship Series marked the final year of the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) as a unified top-tier open-wheel racing series in North America. It featured 19 races across the United States, Canada, and Australia, culminating in a dramatic conclusion at California Speedway.

Despite strong performances and growing fan interest, CART faced mounting financial difficulties and internal disputes that ultimately led to its reorganization. The 2002 season is remembered for both its competitive racing and the end of an era in American open-wheel motorsports.

• Cristiano da Matta dominated the season, winning the Drivers' Championship with 579 points after seven victories.
• The season began on March 10, 2002, with the Marlboro Grand Prix at Rockingham Motor Speedway in England.
• Toyota secured the Manufacturers' Championship, powering da Matta’s car and winning 11 of 19 races.
• The race in Melbourne, Australia on March 31 was the only event held outside North America.
• The final race, the Marlboro 500, took place on November 3, 2002, at California Speedway in Fontana.

How It Works

The CART FedEx Championship Series operated under a points-based system where drivers earned points based on race finishes, with consistency and podium finishes being critical for championship contention.

• Points System: Drivers earned points based on finishing position, with 33 points for a win and decreasing increments down to 1 point for 20th place.
• Pole Position Bonus:1 point was awarded to the driver who qualified first in each race.
• Fastest Lap: No official bonus for fastest lap; focus remained on race results and consistency.
• Team Structure: Teams operated with one or more drivers, managing chassis (e.g., Lola or Reynard) and engines (e.g., Toyota or Peugeot).
• Chassis Regulations: The 2002 season used Lola B02/00 chassis, the final evolution of CART’s standardized chassis design.
• Engine Specifications: 2.65L V8 turbocharged engines produced over 850 horsepower, capable of speeds exceeding 230 mph on ovals.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top drivers in the 2002 CART FedEx Championship Series based on key performance metrics:

The table highlights Cristiano da Matta’s dominance, with the most wins and podiums. Team Green emerged as the strongest team, placing two drivers in the top four. The close points gaps between second and fifth place reflect the competitive nature of the season despite CART’s organizational struggles.

Why It Matters

The 2002 CART FedEx Championship Series holds historical significance as the final season under the CART banner before its rebranding and restructuring into the Champ Car World Series in 2003.

• The season exposed financial instability within CART, leading to the withdrawal of several teams and sponsors.
• It marked the end of Toyota’s successful tenure in CART before shifting focus to Formula 1.
• The split with the Indy Racing League (IRL) continued to fragment American open-wheel racing.
• Many drivers, like da Matta, transitioned to Formula 1 or NASCAR, signaling shifting career paths.
• The technological innovations from the 850-horsepower turbo engines influenced future race car designs.
• The 2002 finale in Fontana drew over 70,000 spectators, showing enduring fan support despite challenges.

Ultimately, the 2002 season stands as both a competitive success and a cautionary tale of mismanagement in motorsports, remembered for thrilling races and the end of a major era in American racing history.