Chicago race saved from the chop

The circuit owners have decided to close the venue to motorsport for the rest of the year because of financial reasons, meaning that the June 30 CART race would not be able to go ahead. But CART did not want to lose Chicago from their schedule and have decided for the first time to lease a circuit which is already used for Champ Car racing. The governing body will now be in charge of running the whole event.

CART boss Chris Pook said: "We are of the strong opinion that the great race fans and sponsors located in the Chicago area want and deserve a CART event and we plan on delivering just that. This is nothing short of a major commitment to the Chicago marketplace and we are determined to make this event a success.

The move keeps the one-mile oval on the calendar for a fourth consecutive year, despite attendance numbers falling off rapidly since the inaugural event, which was very successful. CART have not found a title sponsor for the event as yet.

The importance of Chicago goes beyond the needs of sponsors. The track is one of only three ovals on the calendar situated in the USA.