CHAMPCAR/CART: Edmonton signs title sponsor for inaugural race

WEST EDMONTON MALL BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR OF THE GRAND PRIX OF EDMONTON

EDMONTON -- MAY 19, 2005 -- Organizers of the inaugural Grand Prix of Edmonton and West Edmonton Mall (WEM) jointly announced today that West Edmonton Mall has signed on as title sponsor of the Grand Prix, scheduled for July 15 to 17 at Finning International Raceway. The event will be billed as West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton.

"The Grand Prix of Edmonton, featuring The Champ Car World Series, is a world-class sporting event with an international profile. The addition of West Edmonton Mall, a facility acclaimed worldwide, as title sponsor, is an association that communicates excellence. The entertainment and marketing expertise that they can share will no doubt enhance our offering," said Greg Macdonald, president and general manager of the Grand Prix of Edmonton.

West Edmonton Mall is The Greatest Indoor Show on Earth, featuring more than 800 stores and services including eight amazing attractions, a world-class hotel, a variety of one-of-a-kind and exclusive stores, spectacular games, 100 dining venues and extraordinary entertainment for all ages. As Alberta's largest tourist attraction, WEM welcomes more than 22 million guests each year.

West Edmonton Mall is the flagship property of Triple Five Group of Companies, which has numerous projects underway or proposed throughout the world.

Don Ghermezian, president of West Edmonton Mall Property Inc., said, "We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this prestigious event. The partnership with the Grand Prix will not only help raise the profile of West Edmonton Mall but of our entire company around the world."

Gary Hanson, West Edmonton Mall general manager, added, "We are proud to step up and make a substantial investment in an event that will be of huge benefit to our city and region. This partnership will assist in promoting Edmonton and Alberta to the international audience who will watch the race this July."

The Grand Prix of Edmonton featuring the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford, is the seventh race on the 14-event 2005 schedule and will be staged on a 1.96-mile temporary road course at Finning International Raceway, located at Edmonton City Centre Airport.

Champ Cars are open-wheel, single seat racecars capable of achieving speeds of over 380 kilometres per hour (240 mph).

Also on the three-day schedule is the Toyota Atlantic Championship, the premiere development series owned by Champ Car, as well as the Trans-Am Series. The Trans- Am Series last ran in Edmonton in 1973. In the two years the series competed in Edmonton (1971 & 1973) it featured such racing legends as Mark Donohue, Parnelli Jones, George Follmer, the late Peter Revson and Vic Elford.

"The association between West Edmonton Mall and our event demonstrates the remarkable support the Grand Prix has received from Edmonton, its businesses and its citizens," added Macdonald. "It speaks well for the city and will further augment the reputation and the impact the Grand Prix has locally, nationally and internationally. The stature of our event is growing continually, even before the green flag has dropped."

The Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford features Canadian racing stars Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani, as well as rookie sensation Andrew Ranger. Also competing are 2004 Series Champion Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira, who compete for Newman Haas Racing, co-owned by legendary film star Paul Newman. 2005 marks Alberta's Centennial.

In recognition of this important milestone, the Grand Prix of Edmonton grounds will feature a shopping and information zone designated "All About Alberta" highlighting the unique personality of the province. Tickets for the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton are available online at www.grandprixedmonton.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 780-451-8000. While sales are brisk, good seats are still available; 85 per cent of the race track is visible from most seats in the grandstands.

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