2003 CART season | |
---|---|
Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford | |
Season | |
Races |
|
Start date | February 23 |
End date |
|
Awards | |
Drivers' champion | Paul Tracy |
Constructors' Cup | Lola |
Manufacturers' Cup | / Ford-Cosworth |
Nations' Cup | Canada |
Rookie of the Year | Sébastien Bourdais |
The 2003 Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford season, the twenty-fifth and final in the CART era of American open wheel racing, consisted of 18 races, beginning in St. Petersburg, Florida on February 23 and concluding in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia on October 26.
The intended final event, scheduled to be held in Fontana, California on November 9 was canceled due to wildfires, one of which was known as the "Grand Prix Fire", burning in and around San Bernardino County.
The Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford Drivers' Champion was Paul Tracy. Rookie of the Year was Sébastien Bourdais. At the end of the season, the operations of a now bankrupt CART were assumed by Open Wheel Racing Series, who later rebranded themselves as the Champ Car World Series.
With the departure of Honda and Toyota to the Indy Racing League for the 2003 season, Cosworth became the exclusive engine supplier for the CART series. Their 2.65L XFE turbo V8 powerplant continued to be badged by Ford. Bridgestone continued on as exclusive tire supplier for the series. A marketing agreement between CART and the two suppliers rebranded the series as Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.