Historic events off calendar

Series organisers have confirmed a 14-race schedule, with seven races in the United States, three in Canada, two in Mexico and a single event in Australia and South Korea. Although discussions are continuing with other possible venues, the current plan is for the season to kick off at Long Beach on April 10, 2005.

Champ Car president Dick Eidswick said: "This is a schedule that really shows the international flavour of our series, and is one that we think will make our teams, sponsors and fans very happy.

"In our last race, drivers from seven nations were among the top eight finishers and it is diversity like that which helps broaden our appeal and makes our series attractive throughout the world. We believe that this year's schedule will develop awareness of Champ Car even further."

The new events on the schedule include one in Edmonton, which will be run on a temporary airport course in the Canadian city, one in Ansan in Korea and another in the Silicon Valley area.

These races have come at the expense of Laguna Seca and Road America, for the time being. Both events have failed to attract huge audience figures in recent years - and Laguna Seca's close proximity to Silicon Valley has further compromised its position. It is possible, however, that Road America could be added to the calendar at a later date.



April 10 -- Long Beach (street)
May 1 -- Puerto Rico (70/30 it won't happen);
May 22 -- Monterrey, Mexico (road course);
June 4 -- Milwaukee (oval, daytime show);
June 19 -- Portland (road course);
June 26 -- Cleveland (airport);
July 10 -- Toronto (street);
July 17 -- Edmonton (new, street);
July 31 -- San Jose (new, street);
Aug. 14 -- Denver (street);
Aug. 28 -- Montreal (road course);
Sept. 24 -- Las Vegas (oval);
Oct. 16 -- Seoul, Korea (new, permanent road course?);
Oct. 23 -- Australia (street);
Nov. 6 -- Mexico City (road course).