It was 2002 and driver Cristiano da Matta roared to the CART championship with the Newman-Haas race team. With seven wins and seven pole positions, it was a glorious season for the Newman-Haas crew.
However, Tim notes that this was also the last great year for the CART series with the schism between the Indy Car leagues also splitting the competition and the loyal fan base. The triumphs of 2002 soon faded away in 2003 as the unfortunate racing civil war took its toll on both circuits.
Now in the 20th anniversary year of that championship season, Tim recalls the brilliance of da Matta, the individual talents of his exceptional teammates, as well as the lost opportunities when the CART teams largely did not participate in the legendary Indianapolis 500.
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Among other topics covered in this episode include:
- The international racing schedule adopted by Newman-Haas which was prompted by its exclusion from the Indy 500.
- How Cristiano da Matta’s enthusiasm and talent merged with the Newman-Haas crew.
- The background battles and ambitions of the engine manufacturers that season.
- How the capabilities of the Newman-Haas crew members helped da Matta’s exceptional performance in 2002.
- What happened with da Matta after the 2002 season?
- Drivers who were denied the opportunity to race in Indianapolis because of the racing split.
About Tim Coffeen
Tim Coffeen, host of “Tim Coffeen Talks Indy car and Racing History,” will share stories and memories from his long career with top Indy car teams. As a winner of seven championship rings, Tim not only understands the history of open-wheel racing, he has lived it!
Interviewer/Host – Joe Ziemba
Intro/Promos – Ross Blilie
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