In an effort to appeal to smaller engine-building companies, USAC had permitted "stock-block" pushrod engines (generally defined as single non-OHC units fitted with two valves per cylinder actuated by pushrod and rocker arm).
The PC26 proved to be a formidable short oval car, Paul Tracy recorded three victories in Rio, Nazareth and Gateway.
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The Penske PC-26 was designed by Nigel Bennett and manufactured by Penske Cars in Poole, Dorset for the 1997 CART Championship.
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The Delco Gen V electronics package was carried over from 1996 and remained a Penske only system.