The Penske PC-19 was an open-wheel racing car chassis designed by Nigel Bennett for Penske Racing, which competed in the 1990 CART PPG Indy Car World Series. Powered by the dominant Ilmor-Chevrolet 265A V8 turbocharged engine, the PC-19 proved to be exceptionally successful, securing both the Indianapolis 500 victory and the CART series championship in its debut year.
Development and Design
The PC-19 was a significant evolution from its predecessor, the PC-18. Designed by Nigel Bennett, who had joined Penske Racing in 1989, the car incorporated advanced aerodynamics and a refined monocoque chassis construction. Its design aimed to maximize the performance of the powerful Ilmor-Chevrolet engine, which was custom-built for Penske and its customers by Ilmor Engineering, co-founded by Mario Illien and Paul Morgan, with support from Roger Penske.
Key design features included:
- A carbon-fiber monocoque chassis for rigidity and safety.
- Advanced aerodynamic profiling, including underbody tunnels and wing elements, to generate substantial downforce.
- Optimized suspension geometry designed to handle diverse track conditions encountered in the CART series, from superspeedways to road courses and street circuits.
Racing History and Performance
The Penske PC-19 made its debut at the start of the 1990 CART season and immediately showcased its formidable capabilities. It was primarily driven by Penske Racing's star drivers, Emerson Fittipaldi and Rick Mears.
- 1990 Season: The PC-19 was the class of the field throughout the 1990 season.
- Indianapolis 500 Victory: Emerson Fittipaldi drove the PC-19 to victory in the prestigious Indianapolis 500, marking Penske's eighth win at the event. Rick Mears finished second in another PC-19, securing a dominant 1-2 finish for the team.
- CART PPG Indy Car World Series Championship: Fittipaldi went on to win the 1990 CART championship, accumulating five victories during the season. Mears also contributed significantly, winning three races in the PC-19.
- In total, the Penske PC-19 secured 8 victories out of 16 races during the 1990 CART season, demonstrating its overwhelming performance advantage.
Legacy
The Penske PC-19 is remembered as one of the most successful and dominant Indy cars of its era. Its success solidified Penske Racing's reputation as a powerhouse in American open-wheel racing and highlighted the combined talents of its design team, engine supplier (Ilmor-Chevrolet), and drivers. The PC-19 played a crucial role in maintaining Penske's competitive edge into the early 1990s, paving the way for future successful Penske chassis designs.