The 86C chassis dominated the season, winning 14 out of the 17 races, and taking 13 pole positions.

Newey's March 86C chassis successfully clinched the 1986 CART Indy Car championship and the 1986 Indianapolis 500 with Bobby Rahal.

[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Owing much to its success and competitiveness, the 86C enjoyed extended use on the Indy car circuit after the 1986 season.

At the 1987 Indianapolis 500, after experiencing difficulties with their in-house PC-16 chassis, the Penske team switched their cars mid-month back to 86C.

Rick Mears qualified on the front row, and Al Unser Sr. won the race, giving the 86C back-to-back Indy 500 victories.