The Penske PC-26 was a open-wheel racecar designed by Nigel Bennett and manufactured by Penske Cars in Poole, Dorset, that was used by Team Penske to compete in the 1997 CART Championship.[1] Whilst a development of the PC-25, the PC-26 was designed to address the twitchy nature of the previous year's car.[2]
Five chassis were produced and driven by Al Unser Jr. and Paul Tracy. The Ilmor-produced 850 bhp Mercedes-Benz IC108D engine served as the powerplant, driving through an Xtrac gearbox within a Penske housing. Aerodynamic changes from the previous year's car included revised sidepod inlets and a longer, sharper nose. The Delco Gen V electronics package was carried over from 1996 and remained a Penske-exclusive system.[3]
The PC26 proved to be a formidable short oval car, Paul Tracy recorded three victories in Rio, Nazareth and Gateway.[1] The victory at Gateway marked the 99th for the team and the final victory for a Penske Cars-produced chassis. Penske Racing would have to wait three years to gain its 100th victory.[1] The latter part of the season saw a variety of problems including an eye problem for Tracy as well as a lack of raw pace.
