IRL: Delphi Technology Helps Sharp Win in Atlanta
20 July 1999
TROY, Mich., July 20 -- Delphi-sponsored Scott Sharp and the Kelley Racing Team won the Kobalt Mechanics Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway July 17. Finishing with an average speed of 141.546 mph, Sharp is now second in overall championship points. "I just can't say enough about this Delphi team," said Sharp. "We came here with a totally new and untested set-up, and really had to work as a team to win this race. And Delphi technology on the vehicle helped us throughout the event to gain the lead and win the race." Delphi Automotive Systems technology on Kelley Racing's car #8 includes the Engine Control Module (ECM), Track Condition Radio (TCR), Radio Telemetry Module (RTM) and Capacitive Discharge Module (CDM). Delphi is the official electronics provider to the Indy Racing League. Additionally, Delphi's Accident Data Recorder (ADR) which senses and records key vehicle parameters at 100 samples per second just prior to, during, and after a triggering event, is found on Formula 1 vehicles. Radiators, spark plugs, air filters and injectors are just a few Delphi products that can be found on racecars around the world. Delphi's ECM optimizes engine performance, enables the driver to monitor key engine data via a communication link with the dash, and allows the race team in the pits to closely monitor critical engine parameters via radio telemetry link. "Having access to this kind of real-time information allows us to make adjustments during the race that we otherwise couldn't make. Our technology allows us to increase performance, communication and safety," said Brad Stout, Delphi manager of motorsports marketing. Delphi's TCR alerts drivers of critical information by transmitting messages from race control to the racecar. A dash-mounted display communicates digital messages including safety warnings, track condition and pits opened/closed. The TRM transmits engine and chassis data from the racecar to race team engineers located in the pits. Making available real- time data, the telemetry module enhances driver safety and race team strategy. Performance is increased by the ECM which, when commanded by the Gen IV Engine Control Module, precisely supplies more than 360 Volts to the coils located at each of the eight spark plugs, and eliminates the need for a mechanical distributor. Sharp qualified sixth and drove a consistent race until an ill-timed yellow flag dropped him out of the top 10. Sharp took the lead on lap 178 of the 208-lap race in the Delphi/Dallara and held off Robby Unser with 30 laps remaining. In all, there were 16 lead changes among 10 drivers. Sharp is looking to repeat as a winner at the "Monster Mile" in Dover, Del., where he is the defending race champion, on Aug. 1. Delphi Automotive Systems , with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a world leader in automotive component and systems technology. Delphi's three business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 199,000 employees and operates 168 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 38 joint ventures, 51 customer centers and sales offices, and 27 technical centers in 36 countries. Regional headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo.