Swift 007.i

Swift 007.i
CategoryCART
ConstructorSwift Engineering
Designer(s)David Bruns
Predecessornone
SuccessorSwift 008.a
Technical specifications
Chassiscarbon fiber monocoque
EngineFord-XD 2,650 cc (161.7 cu in) V8 Turbo
Weight1,500 lb (680.4 kg)
FuelMethanol
TyresGoodyear
Competition history
Notable entrantsNewman-Haas Racing
Notable driversUnited States Michael Andretti
Brazil Christian Fittipaldi
Brazil Roberto Moreno
Debut1997 Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami
First win1997 Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami
Last win1997 Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami
Last event1997 Marlboro 500
RacesWinsPodiums
1715
PolesF/LapsTitles
010
Constructors' Championships3rd
Drivers' Championships8th

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.

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 windtunnel. Designing the car started in 1994 and the first car was completed in early 1997. The car was advertised as costing $450.000.[1]

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.[2] 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.[3]

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.[4]

Complete CART results

(key) (Results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Team Engine Tyres Driver No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Points D.C.
1997 Newman/Haas Racing Ford XD V8t G MIA SRF LBH NAZ RIO GAT MIL DET POR CLE TOR MIC MDO ROA VAN LAG CAL
United States Michael Andretti 6 1* 3 22 2 21 11* 2 2 8 23 4 21 8 26 16 27 19 108 8th
Brazil Christian Fittipaldi 11 26 28 4 6 11 16 21 4 9 21 9 42 15th
Brazil Roberto Moreno 24 14 18 25 10 5 16 19th

References

  1. ^ "The low-altitude flight test". Orange Coast Magazine. April 1997: 86–89. April 1997.
  2. ^ "CHAMPCAR/CART: Fittipaldi tests new Swift-Ford". Motorsport.com. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  3. ^ "Swift Success". Popular Science. July 1997: 81–82. July 1997.
  4. ^ "2004 BOSS SuperCup Series" (PDF). Historic Sportscar Racing. Archived from the original on September 27, 2005. Retrieved 17 April 2016.