ChampCar FAQ
Answers that get you closer to the green flag.
Start with the common questions about drivers, cars, costs, events, and getting involved. For official requirements, always use the current BCCR, event supplements, and ChampCar communications.
New to ChampCar?
Learn how endurance road racing works, review the rules and tech resources, then decide whether to build a car, join a team, volunteer, or find an arrive-and-drive seat.
Fast Path
I want to race
Read the rules, pick an event, register your team, and get your car and safety gear ready.
No Car?
I want a seat
Arrive-and-drive teams handle the car and logistics. You bring your safety gear and pay the team’s seat fee.
FAQ
Tap a question to open the answer.
Getting Started
ChampCar delivers real 7 to 24 hour endurance road racing at iconic tracks across North America. It is designed to be affordable, accessible, and competitive. ChampCar is a member-driven 501(c)(7) club with clear rules, fair tech, and a paddock full of people who love racing.
ChampCar delivers real 7 to 24 hour endurance road racing at iconic tracks across North America. It is designed to be affordable, accessible, and competitive. ChampCar is a member-driven 501(c)(7) club with clear rules, fair tech, and a paddock full of people who love racing.
Getting Started
No traditional competition license is required. Drivers generally need a valid state-issued or international driver’s license and an active ChampCar membership. First-time road race competitors must attend ChampCar’s free driver school session at the event. Review the current BCCR for eligibility details and exceptions.
No traditional competition license is required. Drivers generally need a valid state-issued or international driver’s license and an active ChampCar membership. First-time road race competitors must attend ChampCar’s free driver school session at the event. Review the current BCCR for eligibility details and exceptions.
Registration
Choose a race on the public schedule, then use the ChampCar registration system to enter the team and add drivers. Registration availability varies, and popular events can fill. Start with the current race schedule.
Choose a race on the public schedule, then use the ChampCar registration system to enter the team and add drivers. Registration availability varies, and popular events can fill. Start with the current race schedule.
Cars & Tech
Production-based cars on the Vehicle Performance Index are the normal starting point. ChampCar uses VPI and a points-based modification system, with penalty laps applied when an as-raced car exceeds the standard points allowance. Use the VPI lookup and current BCCR before buying or building a car.
Production-based cars on the Vehicle Performance Index are the normal starting point. ChampCar uses VPI and a points-based modification system, with penalty laps applied when an as-raced car exceeds the standard points allowance. Use the VPI lookup and current BCCR before buying or building a car.
Cars & Tech
Cars require a compliant roll cage, racing seat, harnesses, onboard fire suppression, window net, master power switch, and other required safety equipment. Drivers need the approved personal gear specified in the rules. Because standards and certification dates matter, use the current BCCR and send unresolved questions through the Tech Desk.
Cars require a compliant roll cage, racing seat, harnesses, onboard fire suppression, window net, master power switch, and other required safety equipment. Drivers need the approved personal gear specified in the rules. Because standards and certification dates matter, use the current BCCR and send unresolved questions through the Tech Desk.
Cars & Tech
ChampCar has six classes: A, B, C, D, F, and EC. A through D are primarily based on engine displacement, with additional provisions for forced induction and rotary engines. Class F is for eligible cars at or below the current as-raced VPI threshold, while EC is the Exception Class. Always confirm the details in the current BCCR.
ChampCar has six classes: A, B, C, D, F, and EC. A through D are primarily based on engine displacement, with additional provisions for forced induction and rotary engines. Class F is for eligible cars at or below the current as-raced VPI threshold, while EC is the Exception Class. Always confirm the details in the current BCCR.
Getting Started
Yes. Many teams offer arrive-and-drive seats. You bring your personal safety gear and pay the team’s seat fee while they handle the car, prep, and logistics. Start with the Arrive and Drive page and the ChampCar Forum.
Yes. Many teams offer arrive-and-drive seats. You bring your personal safety gear and pay the team’s seat fee while they handle the car, prep, and logistics. Start with the Arrive and Drive page and the ChampCar Forum.
Costs
Budgets vary by car, preparation level, team size, and event length. Teams commonly share entry fees, tires, fuel, brakes, consumables, and repairs. Minimum driver counts depend on race length, and arrive-and-drive programs set their own seat prices. Build a realistic repair reserve and invest in compliant personal safety gear.
Budgets vary by car, preparation level, team size, and event length. Teams commonly share entry fees, tires, fuel, brakes, consumables, and repairs. Minimum driver counts depend on race length, and arrive-and-drive programs set their own seat prices. Build a realistic repair reserve and invest in compliant personal safety gear.
Events
Most weekends include registration, tech inspection, a driver meeting, and one or two endurance races totaling 7 to 24 hours. Teams rotate drivers through stints with fueling and tire service handled under BCCR procedures. Live timing and Race Control keep teams informed throughout the event.
Most weekends include registration, tech inspection, a driver meeting, and one or two endurance races totaling 7 to 24 hours. Teams rotate drivers through stints with fueling and tire service handled under BCCR procedures. Live timing and Race Control keep teams informed throughout the event.
Getting Started
Start here: 1) Learn how ChampCar endurance racing works. 2) Read the current BCCR. 3) Choose a race on the schedule. 4) Build a car, join a team, or find an arrive-and-drive seat. Use the Tech Desk for unresolved technical questions.
Start here: 1) Learn how ChampCar endurance racing works. 2) Read the current BCCR. 3) Choose a race on the schedule. 4) Build a car, join a team, or find an arrive-and-drive seat. Use the Tech Desk for unresolved technical questions.
Volunteering
Absolutely. ChampCar uses volunteers for roles such as pit out, timing and scoring, grid, and event support. Training is provided, and it is one of the best ways to get involved before you race. Start with the Volunteer page.
Absolutely. ChampCar uses volunteers for roles such as pit out, timing and scoring, grid, and event support. Training is provided, and it is one of the best ways to get involved before you race. Start with the Volunteer page.
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