It consisted of 19 races, beginning in Homestead, Florida on March 15 and concluding in Fontana, California on November 1.

Adrián Fernández slammed into the outside wall in the fourth turn of Michigan International Speedway.

His right front wheel was torn off and hurled over the fence into the stands, killing three spectators (Kenneth Fox, Sheryl Laster, and Michael Tautkus) and injuring six others.

Other notable events of the 1998 season include first wins for Bryan Herta and future Indycar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion Dario Franchitti.

Mexican driver Adrián Fernández got his second career win at Twin Ring Motegi, the first race run there by Champ Cars.