OWRS buys Trans-Am

OWRS already has links to Trans-Am through Paul Gentilozzi. The CART and Trans-Am team owner acquired that marketing and international promotion rights to the sportscar series this year, and comprises one-third of the OWRS ownership group, alongside Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerry Forsythe.

"The Trans-Am Tour needed to continue its association with America's premier road racing circuits, and the synergy created by integrating it under the Open Wheel umbrella along with the Champ Car World Series allows us to meet that goal," said Gentilozzi.

"Bringing Champ Car and Trans-Am under the same roof will also allow us to best capitalise on both series strengths, while more effectively managing both."

Trans-Am Racing executive director John Clagett added: "This is another positive step for Trans-Am, and we are pleased to join Champ Car under the Open Wheel banner. Planning for the 2004 season is well underway, and we expect to announce an exciting and ambitious Trans-Am racing schedule in the week of December 21."