MARCH 24, 2005

Champ Cars to follow F1 to China?

The Champ Car World Series says it will expand to include a race next year in Beijing, China. Champ Car has announced that it has signed an agreement with the Beijing Auto and Motor Sports Association, the government regulatory agency that approves all auto racing for Beijing, to push ahead with the idea and the next step is to choose a date and a venue

"This is a major step forward for the Champ Car World Series as we continue to establish our presence in the Asian markets," series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven said. "We believe these markets are fundamental to our series' growth and future success."

Champ Car has raced in Australia for many years and is planning to expand to Korea this season.

Beijing is working towards becoming an international sports centre and hosting big international races will help achieve that goal. Shanghai, however, has the Chinese Grand Prix.