From:	JPRACER@aol.com

American IndyCar Series

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


Q:   What is AIS?

A:   The AMERICAN INDYCAR SERIES or AIS is an independent auto
     racing sactioning organization, presenting the INTERNATIONAL
     INDYCAR CHAMPIONSHIP.  Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, the
     organization was founded in 1987 by owner/competitor Bill
     Tempero.

     The series was created to showcase North American
     engineering expertise and North American racing talent.  AIS
     provides an AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE for professional racing
     teams, track operators, and motorsport sponsors.  It brings
     the thrill of Indy Car racing to both competitors and fans
     who might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience
     Indy Car excitement!


Q:   What does the American IndyCar Series International IndyCar
     Championship consist of?

A:   The 1995 AIS International IndyCar Champion will be
     determined by 8 to 12 races, held throughout the United
     States.  The man and machines of the AIS will compete for
     championship points on TEMPORARY STREET CIRCUITS, PERMANENT
     ROAD COURSES and OVAL TRACKS.


Q:   How long are AIS races?

A:   Depending on the type of facility and length of track, races
     in the American IndyCar Series range from 150 MILES OF A 1.2
     MILE STREET COURSE to 300 LAPS ON A 1/2 MILE HIGH-BANKED
     OVAL.  The length of the race determines whether pit stops
     are required for fuel and tire changes.


Q:   What is an AIS car?

A:   An AIS racing machine is a state-of-the-art INDIANAPOLIS or
     INDY car, the same kind that is raced in the Indianapolis
     500.  In fact, many AIS cars have actually been driven in
     that famed race and by existing technical rules, most would
     still be eligible to compete in both the American IndyCar
     Series and the Indy 500.  Indy Cars feature open-wheels,
     open cockpit and rear engines.  The driver sits almost prone
     in the single seat.



Q:   What types of engines are used?

A:   AIS competitors have their choice of engines .... either
     NATURALLY-ASPIRATED or TURBOCHARED .... V-6 or V-8.  The
     American-made NATURALLY-ASPIRATED CHEVROLET and TURBOCHARGED
     FORT-COSWORTH are the most popular; but Buick, Oldsmobile,
     Pontiac, Ilmor and Judd engines are also utilized.  AIS is
     governed by the SAME ENGINE RULES AS THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
     and similar naturally-aspired engine rules as NASCAR Winston
     Cup, with the maximum engine displacement of 362 cubic
     inches.


Q:   How much horsepower do they generate?

A:   One touch of the throttle and the driver is in command of
     APPROXIMATELY 700 HORSEPOWER.


Q:   Who builds the cars and do rules govern the year of car
     allowed?

A:   Most cars in the series are constructed by MARCH, LOLA, and
     PENSKE.  There are also EAGLES constructed in America by Dan
     Gurney.  AIS rules allow ANY YEAR OF CHASSIS, UP TO AND
     INCLUDING 1995.


Q:   How much does an AIS car weigh?

A:   There is minimum weight requirement for cars though most
     cars weigh approximately 1550 POUNDS.


Q:   How does AIS ensure all cars remain equal?

A:   To maintain a competitive balance between the various engine
     types and different chassis, AIS rules govern TURBO BOOST,
     and such AERODYNAMIC FEATURES as SIZE OF REAR WINGS.


Q:   What is the purpose of the front and rear "wings" and so-
     called "ground effects"?

A:   On an aircraft, airfoils are used to create lift.  On an
     Indy Car, these wings are installed upside down, so the air
     pressure creates a DOWNFORCE.  The car's side panels are
     also INVERTED AIRFOILS or "tunnels".  These create an area
     of low pressure under the car LIKE A GIANT SUCTION CUP. 
     This combined downforce helps the cars stick to the track
     through turns, for faster lap times.  At high speeds, an
     Indy Car generates more downforce than it weights, meaning
     it could literally adhere to an upside-down race track.

Q:   How fast will an AIS car go?

A:   Indy Cars are capable of STRAIGHTAWAY SPEEDS in excess of
     215 MPH.  AIS competitors now hold the fastest competition
     lap records at virtually every road course and oval track on
     which they compete.


Q:   What type of fuel do AIS cars use and what kind of mileage
     do they get?

A:   Clean-burning METHANOL is used, with the average 362 cubic
     inc engine achieving two miles per gallon on some tracks.


Q:   What kind of tires do AIS cars use?

A:   The American IndyCar Series is proud to use HOOSIER RACING
     TIRES exclusively.  Smooth or slick tires are utilized, with
     the proven bias-ply construction; and can cost a team over
     $20,000 during a normal season.  In the event of
     precipitation, oval races are halted while racing continues
     on a road course, with teams given the option of changing to
     grooved rain tires.


Q:   How affordable is AIS racing?

A:   An entire AIS racing program, including initial purchase of
     car, engine, transport units, travel expense, maintenance,
     crew, tires, fuel, etc., can be operated for UNDER $250,000
     annually.  This makes AIS the MOST ECONOMICAL PROFESSIONAL
     RACING SERIES in North America.


Q:   How are championship points awarded in the American IndyCar
     Series?

A:   Drivers receive AIS Championship points BASED ON THEIR
     FINISH, from 1st to 20th places.  One point is also awarded
     the FASTEST QUALIFIER, for LEADING ONE LAP, and for LEADING
     THE MOST LAPS.  Points are also tabulated for the ROOKIE-OF-
     THE-YEAR award, ENGINE MANUFACTURER, CHASSIS MANUFACTURER,
     and TEAM.


Q:   What are the entry requirements for the American IndyCar
     Series?

A:   Entries must comply with AIS rules mandating A RACE CAR
     REGISTRATION, DRIVER'S MEMBERSHIP, and RACE ENTRY FEES. 
     Rookies msut pass on ORIENTATION TEST to receive their AIS
     Competitors License.  Each car is inspected during the race
     weekend to insure it meets all AIS technical specifications. 
     All participants, including drivers and pit crew, must
     comply with SAFETY STANDARDS, wear FIRE-RESISTANT GEAR, and
     submit an ALCOHOL or DRUG TESTING upon request.


Jon Payne 
AIS Freelance Writer