CHAMPCAR/CART: Walker/Team Australia Road America special event

MORE THAN JUST RACING FOR WALKER RACING/TEAM AUSTRALIA AS THEY TAKE PART IN ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE AT ROAD AMERICA

INDIANAPOLIS (September 15, 2006) --When Walker Racing/Team Australia visits Elkhart Lake, WI for the Road America Champ Car event September 22-24, they will participate in more than just racing. The team and its drivers will take part in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand National as they award a Rotax Max Challenge driver with a test in their Formula BMW car.

Everyone has to get their start somewhere in racing and for most that start is in karts. No one knows that better than Walker Racing/Team Australia. This season Walker Racing marked its first year to run the full developmental ladder series with programs in Champ Car, Atlantic and Formula BMW USA. The team knows the importance of making that climb as all six of their drivers got their start racing karts. Walker Racing/Team Australia is excited to be able to give a deserving young driver that chance.

As the Official Karting Series of Champ Car and the fastest growing kart racing class in the world, the Rotax Max Challenge Series serves as the first step for young drivers to begin their climb toward an open-wheel racing career. The series will hold its national championship at Road America as they crown their 2006 champion.

"It's crucial for young driver to have a solid foundation in racing. Simon, Will, Alex and Michael all got their start racing karts. To be able to provide a stepping stone is imperative. I applaud Rotax Max Challenge and Champ Car for bridging the gap and providing a solid foundation," stated Champ Car team owner Derrick Walker.

Thousands of talented young drivers in the 16-18 age bracket will battle each other out, and the winner of the challenge will win a test in the team's Formula BMW car. The award winner will be determined by a panel of judges, which will include Team Australia Champ Car and Atlantic drivers Alex Tagliani, Will Power, Simon Pagenaud and Michael Patrizi.

"It's exciting to be apart of this. I grew up around karts, racing them and helping my dad build them at his karting shop. I know how hard it is to work up the ranks of driving so to be able to help a talented youngster get a shot, I couldn't be happier," stated Tagliani.

The challenge will kick off on Wednesday with a barbecue where all four drivers will be in attendance. On Thursday official practice for the event starts with qualifying on Friday and the final shoot out on Saturday. Look for the bright yellow and green Formula BMW car as it will be on display all weekend long. For more updates go to www.walkerracing.com.

-credit: walker racing/team australia