CHAMPCAR/CART: Grand Prix of Houston names 2008 presenting sponsor

MSR Houston Announced as New Presenting Sponsor of Lone Star Grand Prix

HOUSTON, Oct 4, 2007 - The Grand Prix of Houston announced today a multi-year agreement for MSR Houston to be presenting sponsor of the event's American Le Mans Series race, to be called the "Lone Star Grand Prix Presented by MSR Houston." The 2008 Grand Prix of Houston at JAGFlo Speedway at Reliant Park will once again feature a world-class combination of open-wheel and sports car racing, with the Lone Star Grand Prix Presented by MSR Houston on Saturday and the Champ Car World Series on Sunday.

"We are very proud to introduce MSR Houston as the newest sponsor of the Grand Prix of Houston," said Michael T. Lanigan, CEO of the Grand Prix. "MSR Houston is an outstanding facility, and they share our interest in promoting auto racing in Southeast Texas. We're looking forward to a great partnership."

MSR Houston, a 2.38 mile, 17-turn road course in Angleton, Texas that opened in 2006, has quickly become a popular testing location for professional race teams. Over the past two years the facility has hosted sessions for many Champ Car World Series teams as well as Dyson Racing from the American Le Mans Series.

"We are excited to be part of the Lone Star Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Houston," said Al Mitchell, General Manager of MSR Houston. "One of our goals is to continue to develop opportunities to host tests at MSR Houston, and hope that this association will enable us to strengthen our relationships with the series and ALMS teams. We are looking forward to continuing to grow along with the Grand Prix of Houston and the American Le Mans Series."

In addition to presenting sponsor status of the Lone Star Grand Prix, MSR Houston will once again promote the MSR Houston Charity Race, which benefits breast cancer research through beneficiary Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The event allows SCCA-licensed amateur drivers to race their own cars on the Grand Prix racetrack, providing a unique opportunity to compete in a professional-style racing event while racing money for a great cause. Participants pay a fee to compete in the event, with net proceeds going to Komen.

-credit: gphouston