BMW Signs On With Grand Prix of Denver
New Series With U.S.'s Leading Driving Prospects to Make First Denver Appearance
DENVER, June 7 -- The CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver has been added to the venues for the Formula BMW USA Championship Series. The 11th and 12th races of the series 14 race inaugural season will be run in conjunction with the Grand Prix on the weekend of August 13 to 15.
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"We built a solid foundation for this event last year, and we are committed to taking it even farther this year. A series as exciting and important as Formula BMW is an outstanding addition to the Grand Prix," said CENTRIX Financial Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Sutton. "The development of a real 'farm system' for U.S. racing is necessary if we are going to continue to create drivers like A.J. Allmendinger and Danica Patrick who can take on the world. The BMW series, even in its first year, is becoming a premiere proving ground for young talent."
Formula BMW was formed in 2002 by the German auto manufacturer as a way to help develop and educate young talent as they prepare to make their way to formula racing and ultimately Formula 1. All competitors in the series drive the same cars (Formula BMW FB2s) and run on the same budget, allowing for an even playing field that truly test driver skills. For its inaugural season Formula BMW is running 14 races, eight of which are being run in conjunction with Champ Car events. The series is supervised by the heads of BMW, Williams F1 and BMW Motorsports.
"With the addition of Formula BMW, we clearly have something that will appeal to every racing fan this year," said the General Manager of the Grand Prix, John Frew. "You've got talent at the top of their game in Champ Car, stars about to move up to the big times in Toyota Atlantics, some of the best factory road racers in Trans-Am, the classics of the vintage race and now the next generation of racing standouts."
Formula BMW Racing Schedule Friday, August 13 8:30 am - 9:00 am -- BMW Practice 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm -- BMW Practice 4:45 pm - 5:15 pm -- BMW Qualifying #1 Saturday, August 14 8:30 am - 9:00 am -- BMW Qualifying #2 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm -- BMW Race #1 Sunday, August 15 8:30 am - 8:45 am -- BMW Warm Up 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm -- BMW Race #2
The BMW races, which will run on the Grand Prix's nine-turn, 1.65-mile temporary street course at the Pepsi Center, will feature 140 horsepower, 4-cylinder cars that will hit top speeds approaching 140 mph.
Tickets can be purchased at the Pepsi Center box office, at Ticket Master outlets, or online at www.gpdenver.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
About CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver, LLC (CFGPD)
CFGPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Denver-based financial services and management firm, CENTRIX Financial. CFGPD was created, and has been contracted by Champ Car, to provide management services for the 2004 CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver. CENTRIX Financial specializes in the development and management of unique auto finance lending and investment products. The Company currently manages a $1.7 billion dollar loan portfolio and provides services across the country. In addition to its involvement with the Grand Prix of Denver, CENTRIX is the Official Auto Finance Company of NASCAR, serves as team sponsor with Rahal/Letterman Racing at the Indy 500 and Bombardier 500, is an associate sponsor with MB2/MBV Racing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, runs a multi-car team in the Baja 1000 and sponsors Team USA in the Race Of Champions Nations Cup.
For further information, please contact: Media, Karen Cryderman, +1-720-838-4036, karenc@thinkbat.com, or Ed Halloran, +1-303-753-0341, halloranem@webtv.net, both of BA&T, for CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver.
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