OCTOBER 27, 2006

Rice in for Allmendinger

Buddy Rice is to replace AJ Allmendinger in the Forsythe Racing Champ Car team, with immediate effect. Allmendinger upset the applecart at Forsythe by signing to drive for Red Bull Racing in NASCAR next season and Forsythe immediately called in Rice, who has been driving for Bobby Rahal in the Indy Racing League in recent years. It is clear from the move that Forsythe needs a yong American to try to give the series some relevance to the US audience as most of those competing in the series are currently from abroad. Allmendinger was being built up as a big new star and his departure is a blow for the series - which Forsythe part owns - even if it is a logical move for Allmendinger to make.

Rice will debut for the team in Mexico City at the final race of the Champ Car season.