Pook elected as new Champ Car boss

The 60-year-old had been tipped as the favourite for the job ever since Heitzler stepped down earlier this month. He is popular amongst the team owners who make up CART's board of directors and came close to taking the role after interim boss Bobby Rahal quit to run Jaguar Racing in Formula 1 last year.

He will be charged with the task of turning round the fortunes of the troubled series, which has been racked by in-fighting throughout 2001.

"I am delighted to accept this appointment and grateful for the vote of confidence and trust placed in me by the CART board of directors," said Pook. "A great deal of potential exists within CART as a business organisation and a motorsports property, and I will immediately introduce some of the proven business disciplines and practices that have served me well throughout my career in order to bring CART to a new level of success.

"The entire CART community currently finds itself in a very challenging environment," he continued. "But it is my goal to quickly develop and energised business plan and management team to lead the organisation in a direction beneficial for [everyone]."

James Grosfeld, a member of the board's committee for finding a new boss, said: "The board believes that Mr Pook has the experience in the motorsports industry necessary to guide CART during these critical times. His reputation in the industry, significant shareholder support and outstanding business accomplishments made him the logical candidate for this position."

Heitzler will remain on the board of directors and continue to serve as its chairman, as previously announced.