Newman-Haas Racing and Della Penna Motorsports entered the chassis during the 1998 CART season.

After a successful campaign in 1997, in which the Swift 007.i, won the season opener, successor for the car was designed for 1998.

[1] The Swift 009.c made a stunning debut with Michael Andretti winning the season opener and Christian Fittipaldi finishing fourth.

The American built chassis proved to be fast when Andretti also noted the fastest time in the Goodyear tire test at Gateway International Raceway.

For the race Fittipaldi was replaced by Team Penske test driver Roberto Moreno.