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CART in the 1981 season. Full information

3rd season of the CART proved to be an exhilarating ride for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Spanning from 22nd March to 31st October in 1981, this season showcased thrilling races, unexpected twists, and fierce competition. Join us as we relive the excitement and drama that unfolded throughout this unforgettable season of CART!

Beginners of the season: Josele Garza , Geoff Brabham , Bob Lazier , Phil Krueger , Scott Brayton , Jim Buick , Steve Chassey

Participated in training: Dennis Firestone , Kevin Cogan , Tony Bettenhausen jr , Billy Vukovich , Phil Caliva , Ross Davis , Roger Rager , Michael Chandler , John Mahler , Steve Chassey , Bill Tempero , Jim McElreath , Scott Brayton , Larry Dickson

List of races and tracks in the 1981 season

Race	Winner	Track	Race Start
1981 Phoenix Champ Cars Race 1	Johnny Rutherford Chaparral 2K, #1	Phoenix	22nd March 1981
1981 Indianapolis 500	Bobby Unser Penske PC9B, #3	Indianapolis	24th May 1981
1981 Milwaukee Champ Cars Race 1	Mike Mosley Eagle 81, #48	Milwaukee	7th June 1981
1981 Atlanta Champ Cars Race 1	Rick Mears Penske PC9B, #6	Atlanta	28th June 1981
1981 Atlanta Champ Cars Race 2	Rick Mears Penske PC9B, #6	Atlanta	28th June 1981
1981 Michigan 500	Pancho Carter Penske PC7, #5	Michigan	25th July 1981
1981 Riverside Champ Cars	Rick Mears Penske PC9B, #6	Riverside	30th August 1981
1981 Milwaukee Champ Cars Race 2	Tom Sneva March 81C, #2	Milwaukee	5th September 1981
1981 Michigan Champ Cars	Rick Mears Penske PC9B, #1	Michigan	20th September 1981
1981 Watkins Glen Champ Cars	Rick Mears Penske PC9B, #6	Watkins Glen	4th October 1981
1981 Mexico City Champ Cars	Rick Mears Penske PC9B, #6	Mexico City	18th October 1981
1981 Phoenix Champ Cars Race 2	Tom Sneva March 81C, #2	Phoenix	31st October 1981

Drivers championship 1981

Rick Mears

United States

Champion

Points: 304 Wins: 6 Poles: 2

Bill Alsup

United States

2nd place

Points: 175 Wins: 0 Poles: 0

Pancho Carter

United States

3rd place

Points: 166 Wins: 1 Poles: 0

List of all drivers for the 1981 season

Name	Points
Rick Mears	304
Bill Alsup	175
Pancho Carter	166
Gordon Johncock	142
Johnny Rutherford	120
Tony Bettenhausen jr	107
Bobby Unser	99
Tom Sneva	96
Bob Lazier	92
Al Unser	90
Mario Andretti	81
Tom Bigelow	60
Scott Brayton	57
Larry Dickson	49
Gary Bettenhausen	42
Dick Simon	38
Herm Johnson	38
Michael Chandler	37
Mike Mosley	32
Steve Chassey	31
Josele Garza	30
Phil Caliva	27
Kevin Cogan	23
Dick Ferguson	20
Steve Krisiloff	18
Rocky Moran	16
Geoff Brabham	14
Jerry Karl	13
Billy Engelhart	11
Larry Cannon	10
Roger Rager	10
Bill Tempero	7
Billy Vukovich	6
Phil Krueger	6
Gordon Smiley	5
Jim Buick	4
Vern Schuppan	4
Ross Davis	4
Jim McElreath	4
Hurley Haywood	3
Spike Gehlhausen	2
Bob Frey	2
John Mahler	2
Phil Threshie	1
Jerry Sneva	1
Chip Mead	1
Dennis Firestone	1
Johnny Parsons jr	1