Indy Cart 's "Push to Pass" Joy Button

I was watching the CART race Long Beach on Sunday and saw that they have a new joy button called "Push to Pass". Did anybody happen to catch how this system works? I am wondering what they are using to increase the horsepower when they push the button? If this questions is answered elsewhere in Beyond let me know.

It's always been there ;)

the button gives the car more power, but at an unsustainable level. if they were to run the whole race like that the engine would have a far greater chance of self destructing.

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Originally posted by speedracer
It's always been there ;)

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No, this is not the "overtake" mode where they give you more revs, or fuel economy fuel maps vs power maps, like in the old days. This is introduced in the 2004 series, and is possible because CART is now a Cosworth spec motor series.

The button basically increases boost so you get 50hp more. Each car has the button, and the ECU limits its use to 60 seconds. Once you use up the 60 seconds, the ECU turns the button off.

It's introduced to make CART have more passing, more interesting, and revive CART to it's old glory days.