For Mercedes-Benz, the 1997 Indy car racing began last week. The first green flag won’t fall until next March, but last Tuesday and Wednesday the engine that will power six of the entries in the PPG Indy Car World Series took its first deep breath – and let out a healthy scream.

The performance of this new powerplant, the IC108D, was very encouraging success. The trial, which took place Oct. 8-9 at the Brixworth, England facilities of Ilmor Engineering (the race engine-building arm of Mercedes) consisted of an initial start-up, a warm-up and break-in period, followed by several power runs.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of the first test of the IC108D," said Paul Ray, vice president of Ilmor. "The engine-build process went without a hitch, which is usually a good first indication, and the start-up was drama-free. After running in the engine, it was power tested, and the performance data was particularly encouraging. This is a very good starting point for the coming season."

The Next Step

The engine, the first of the IC108D powerplants to be assembled, is now being taken apart and inspected. Provided that this routine checkup yields a clean bill of health, the engine will be put back together and developmental investigations begun in search of higher rpm and more horsepower. A second IC108D will also be completed and shipped to Ilmor’s "Dyno Two" facility in Reading, Pa., to begin endurance testing.

Embarking on its third full season of PPG Cup competition, Mercedes-Benz will supply engines to Marlboro Team Penske, PacWest, Players/Forsythe Racing and Bettenhausen Motorsports in 1997. The manufacturer’s involvement as an engine supplier and as the official car of IndyCar continues a century-old competitive tradition at Mercedes-Benz.