German race to go ahead (updated)

"It is important that you know that we are continuing to plan and prepare for our race weekend as it has been scheduled," said Heitzler. "With that said, we are working closely with the US government and, specifically, with the US Ambassador to Germany, Dan Coats, in order to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the most appropriate manner relative to this situation.

"I also want to let you know that measures have been taken by both the US and German governments to ensure the safety and security of the CART contingent here in Germany. We will continue to assess the situation and as soon as we have more information, we will make a determination if any additional action needs to be taken regarding our race weekend," he said.

Lausitz chief Fischer added that plans would continue as normal, but that the circuit is flexible according to how the situation develops. The German 500 is scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Rockingham has also said that its Champ car race, scheduled for the following Saturday (September 22) is also set to run as planned.

The sanctioning bodies of two of US racing's other major series are expected to make final decisions today (Wednesday) on whether this weekend's NASCAR Winston Cup and Indy Racing League races will go ahead in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

NASCAR has already cancelled Friday qualifying for the New Hampshire 300, but says it is monitoring the situation with regards to its Saturday schedule and Sunday's race.

"Our country has experienced a terrible tragedy today," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "All of the NASCAR community offers our sincerest sympathies to all those who have suffered losses. We will continue to monitor and evaluate this situation and make the appropriate decisions as the week progresses."

The IRL is scheduled to finish its season at the Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, but the series vice-president of operations Brian Barnhart said its status will be determined on Wednesday. However, TMS track boss Eddie Gossage believes the race, and a support event for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will go ahead as planned.

"We have been in discussions with both the Indy Racing League and NASCAR and are discussing the possible options," said Gossage. "At this time, we are moving ahead as planned for the Chevy 500 race week events."

Autosport.com will post updates as we get them.