The previous year's 86C chassis still saw use by some teams in 1987, and notably won two races: the 1987 Indianapolis 500 and the Pocono 500. At the 1987 Indy 500, several teams racing the 87C struggled during practice and qualifying with handling issues. However on race day, Roberto Guerrero, Fabrizio Barbazza, and Al Unser Jr. finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively.
March, which had won the CART season championship in both 1985 and 1986, failed to win their third championship in a row with the 87C. Bobby Rahal (Truesports), the 1986 champion, switched to the Lola for 1987, and won the CART title. Michael Andretti, who won four races - including the Michigan 500 - was runner-up in the points championship driving an 87C.