CHAMPCAR/CART: Fundidora Park enters final week of preparation

FUNDIDORA PARK ENTERS FINAL WEEK OF PREPARATION FOR FIFTH ANNUAL VISIT FROM THE CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES

INDIANAPOLIS (May 13, 2005) -- The Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford is gearing up for its fifth annual visit to the picturesque and historic Fundidora Park layout, as race organizers put the finishing touches on preparations for the May 20-22 Tecate/Telmex Monterrey Grand Prix Presented by Roshfrans.

The 2.104-mile Fundidora Park road course has hosted the Champ Car World Series in each of the last four seasons, providing Champ Car fans both in Mexico and around the world with exciting action in one of the most festive atmospheres in motorsports.

The Monterrey race weekend is one of the most-anticipated races of the year from a fan standpoint as the event organizers provide fans with one of the best values in racing. A full slate of on-track action features six different series of racing ranging from Clio Cup cars and pickups to the 750hp lightning bolts of the Champ Car World Series. For fans looking for an occasional break from the racing, there are many activities taking place on the Fundidora Park grounds including three full days of live concerts on two separate music stages.

"Ticket sales are going good, better than last year," said Event Director Jorge Lozano. "We are very excited about having the Champ Cars in Fundidora Park for the fifth time, the fans really love them."

Mexican fans have responded with great fervor to the event in the past four seasons, making it as much a highlight for the drivers as it is for the fans. The event has drawn over 180,000 fans in each of the past four years and this year's edition of the Tecate/Telmex Monterrey Grand Prix Presented by Roshfrans will see the one-millionth fan to attend a Champ Car event in Monterrey come through the gate.

"For sure the race in Monterrey is one of the biggest races of the year," said Bruno Junqueira, driver of the #2 PacifiCare Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone. "All of the race fans they have there on race day make it very exciting. The event brings so many fans -- it's incredible. I think it looks like a soccer game on race day. The people are getting really excited."

Race organizers have a full week of activities planned leading up to the event including an exhibition by the Champ Car Fast Lap Pace Car team and a public parade of event vehicles. Promotional appearances by many of the drivers competing during the weekend are scheduled to take place as are annual events such as the popular blessing of the racetrack, which will take place on Thursday May 19.

There are still opportunities for fans to purchase tickets for the May 20-22 Tecate/Telmex Monterrey Grand Prix Presented by Roshfrans before the cars roll onto the track. Fans interested in attending can purchase their tickets either at the Fundidora Park box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com.mx.

-ccws-