Panoz DP01

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The Panoz DP01 is the recently introduced Champ Car World Series race car that will be used in the 2007 season. It was introduced to the world at the San Jose Grand Prix on July 28, 2006.

Roberto Moreno pilots the DP01 in the first running test of the chassis.

The Panoz DP01 was developed to be safer, and less aerodependent while racing closely with other cars. The new model has had numerous changes from the previous Lola car, including more downforce from the underbody. Approximately 60% of the car's 5500 lbs. of downforce at 200 mph will come from the bottom of the car. This is done by directing the air in a way to create downforce on the car, by sucking it to the racetrack. This will put less dependency on the front and rear wings in the event of a failure at high speed.

Another major change from the previous car is the raised nose of the car. The nose has been moved farther above the front wing, directing more air to the underbody aerodynamics. The raised nose will also create a safer environment for the driver in the event of a head on collision with a wall or another car.^{[citation needed]}

The driver will be sitting more upright than previous year, to reduce the chances of back injuries, and to accommodate the use of the HANS device.

[edit] Debut

The first Champ Car open test of the DP01 took place Jan. 23-Jan. 25 at Sebring International Raceway. The second open test occurred Feb. 12 and 13 at MSR Houston. The third and last open test before the season begins took place March 9 and 10 at Laguna Seca. The Panoz DP01's race debut was at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on April 8, 2007. Team Australia's Will Power won the inaugural pole and the first race with the DP01.