GM Supports IRL Rule Change

Contact: Rick Voegelin
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
GM Racing Communications
(831) 761-2201
http://media.gm.com/gmracing


GM Supports IRL Engine Rule Change

    DETROIT, Dec. 17, 2003 - GM Racing Director Doug Duchardt voiced
GM's strong support for revisions in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series
engine rules announced on Dec. 16. Effective at the 2004 Indianapolis 500,
maximum engine displacement will be reduced from 3.5 liters to 3.0 liters.
In the three IRL events preceding the Indianapolis 500, the engine air
scoops will be vented to reduce performance. The move from 3.5-liter (214
cubic-inch) to 3.0-liter (183ci) engines is expected to reduce output by
approximately 10 percent.

    "GM Racing strongly supports the IRL's decision to revise the
engine regulations to control speeds," said Duchardt. "The safety of
drivers, teams, officials and spectators is paramount, and we fully endorse
the IRL's initiatives. IRL officials discussed the proposed rule change
with us, and we appreciate being involved in the process."

    GM is the only manufacturer that has supplied engines to IRL teams
since the series introduced its naturally aspirated engine formula in
January 1997. GM Racing has produced IRL engines in two displacements (4.0
liters and 3.5 liters) and development of a new 3.0-liter version of the
Chevy Indy V-8 is now underway. Since 1997, maximum engine speed, which is
regulated by a programmable rev limiter, has been adjusted four times,
ranging between 10,700 and 10,000 rpm. 

    "When GM entered the IRL as an engine manufacturer, we clearly
understood that periodic revisions in the engine regulations would play a
key role in controlling speeds," Duchardt noted. "The previous changes in
maximum rpm and engine displacement have proven to be cost-effective, and
we expect the new 2004 regulations to produce positive results as well. The
decision to implement the new rules in May provides adequate time for us to
manage our parts inventory and ensures that we will have a supply of
3.0-liter Chevy Indy V-8 engines ready for the Indy 500."

    GM Racing has a dedicated safety research program that actively seeks
to improve safety in all motorsports series. GM personnel and facilities
have been instrumental in the testing and validation of safety enhancements
such as crash data recorders, head and neck protection, rear impact
attentuators, seats and seat belts, and wheel restraints.

    "GM is committed to improving motorsports safety, and we support
the efforts of all the sanctioning bodies," Duchardt said. "It's the right
thing to do."

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  E-mail from: Rick Voegelin, 17-Dec-2003