RuSPORT confirms entry

Driving for RuSPORT, Allmendinger won last year's Atlantics title in his rookie season. The team will run a single Lola Champ Carfor the 21-year-old this year, although it hoping to expand to run two cars in 2005.

"After accomplishing many of the goals we set ourselves as a Toyota Altantic team we took the time to weigh our options carefully over the last few months," said team owner Carl Russo. "We have decided that now is the time for RuSPORT to step up and compete at the highest level.

"We believe in the viability of the Champ Car World Series and its fans, and we are convinced that it will ultimately provide the best return for our partners and the best competition for our driver and crew."

Allmendinger said: "I can't wait to get started, and for me to get into a Champ Car this year shows that the Champ Car Ladder System can work with the support of people like Carl Russo."

OWRS co-owner Paul Gentilozzi welcomed the announcement. "Everyone in open-wheel racing has followed A.J's career very closely for a number of years and we are eager to see what he does with his opportunity to compete in the top level of the sport.

"A.J. and the RuSPORT team's dominance in the Toyota Atlantic Championship last year showed their limitless potential and we expect A.J. and RuSPORT to be a key component of the Champ Car World Series for many years to come."