Delphi-Sponsored Driver Sharp Wins Inaugural Indy Japan 300 At Twin Ring Motegi Speedway
TOKYO, April 14 -- Scott Sharp, sponsored by Delphi Corporation , earned his first win of the 2003 Indy Racing League (IRL) season by capturing the checkered flag at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan this weekend with an average speed of 120.09 miles per hour. The win comes at the first-ever IRL race held outside of the U.S. and puts Sharp at the top of the IndyCar Series standings with 106 points.
The victory is Scott's eighth title in the Indy Racing League, making him one of the winningest drivers in IRL history. A six-year veteran of the circuit, Sharp's previous victories include Texas (2001, 2000), Atlanta (1999), Phoenix and Dover (1998), and New Hampshire (1996). Sharp has also won four pole positions including the 2001 Indianapolis 500.
This is the first win for Sharp and Kelley Racing since changing to a Toyota racing engine at the beginning of this season. It is the second year that Sharp has won the race just prior to the Indianapolis 500.
Delphi has been the lead sponsor for Sharp for the past four seasons and has committed to continued sponsorship of Sharp and the No. 8 car through 2005.
"We're extremely proud to share this victory with Scott Sharp and Kelley Racing and our associate sponsors Futaba and AT&T," said William A. Lafontaine, Delphi's director of brand development and media communications. "Scott's victory validates our sponsorship and reinforces our commitment to motorsports as an important venue for product development."
Delphi, the official electronics provider to the IRL, has been involved in open-wheel racing since 1988 to research and develop technologies to help improve driver safety and performance. Today, a majority of the vehicles in the IRL are equipped with several of Delphi's racing products. Highlights include:
* Delphi Earpiece Sensor System - measures dynamic forces to a driver's head during an accident. It uses small sensors integrated into the left and right radio earpieces worn by the driver. The six accelerometers -- one for each of the three axes on each side -- measure acceleration in the X, Y and Z axes during an accident. The combined data from the earpiece sensor system and onboard accident data recorder provide accident researchers valuable data for a clearer picture of what happens during a crash.
* Accident Data Recorder (ADR2) - senses and records key vehicle parameters at 1000 samples per second just prior to, during, and after an accident-triggering event.
* Track Condition Radio - helps alert drivers with critical information by transmitting messages from race control to the racecar. A dash-mounted display communicates messages including safety warnings, track condition and pits opened/closed.
* Radio Telemetry Module - transmits engine and chassis data from a speeding racecar to race team engineers located in the pits. The telemetry module helps enhance driver safety and race team strategy by making real-time data available.
* Multec(R) Bottom Feed Methanol Electronic Fuel Injector - provides a high flow rate and a low profile package that are ideal for port fuel racing applications. The injector is able to operate at high temperatures and provide a high level of spray atomization.
* Connectors, Cables and Terminals -- connectors are coupling devices that provide an electrical and mechanical connection/disconnection in a system. Cables are insulated electrical conductors. Terminals are devices attached to the end of a wire to facilitate electrical connections. All of these Delphi components enable a vehicle's electrical/electronic system to function under the tough conditions in racing.
For more information about Delphi Corporation, visit Delphi's Virtual Press Room at www.delphi.com/media .
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