Organizers Cancel Champ Car Grand Prix Arizona

Jensen indicated that this decision has no effect on the Vegas Grand Prix, which is scheduled to start the season for the 2008 Champ Car series.

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PHOENIX - After nearly two years of planning and preparing for Grand Prix Arizona, the organizers of this Champ Car race have determined that it is no longer viable and are therefore canceling the event for 2007.

“An event of this magnitude requires considerable corporate support and though we did establish some outstanding partnerships, there were simply not enough of these to create economic viability,” said Dale Jensen, owner and managing member of the sports property.

“On behalf of my partner, Brad Yonover, and our staff that has worked so hard on this project, we thank everyone throughout the community – and in particular the City of Phoenix – for their tremendous support along the way. Unfortunately, current economic turmoil and the impact it has had on our sponsors precludes us from being able to produce the caliber of event we had envisioned.”

Jensen indicated that this decision has no effect on the Vegas Grand Prix, which is scheduled to start the season for the 2008 Champ Car series next April 4 – 6.

For the many race fans that had purchased Grand Prix Arizona tickets, online or by telephone, full refunds will be automatically made.

For those who bought their tickets at a Ticket Master outlet, they must return them to the outlet of purchase for a full refund.

Champ Car World Series President & CEO Steve Johnson released this statement: “We obviously are disappointed that the organizers of Grand Prix Arizona cancelled their event. While we were looking forward to closing our season with a new Champ Car race in Arizona, we’re prepared to now finish instead in Mexico City (Nov. 9-11) as we have done the past three years. We look forward to a great event this weekend in Assen, Holland, the second of two new Champ Car events in Europe, then concluding our 2007 season with our traditionally strong events in Surfer’s Paradise, Australia in October and Mexico in November. “The 2007 Champ Car World Series season will encompass 14 total events, including four new events in Las Vegas, Nevada; Mont-Tremblant, Canada; Zolder, Belgium; and Assen, Holland. This is two less than originally planned due not only to Phoenix’s decision to cancel but also with the inability to conduct an event in China this year. The failure of our previous China promoter—since replaced—to materially comply with our agreement forced us to miss our May date, and we have been unable to secure an appropriate 2007 replacement date with our new promoter. While it’s unfortunate that these situations have occurred, we’re now on the eve of what we expect to be one of our most successful events of the year, and anticipate an exciting week ahead in Holland.”

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