Ford of Canada Reinforces Champ Car Relationship

By: Matt Drennan-Scace | Ford Communications Network

TORONTO, July 13, 2005 -- The Molson Indy of Toronto, the first of three Champ Car World Series races in Canada, was recently contest in the streets of Toronto among a blur of Ford blue ovals -- around the track, on the Ford GT as it led the pack as the official pace car for all the Canadian Champ Car races and on the track as Canadian customers were allowed to test drive the Ford Fusion for the first time.

Earlier this year, Ford of Canada announced an agreement to be a major sponsor for the Canadian race events of the "Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series, Powered by Ford." The deal reinforces one of the longest-running relationships in the Champ Car World Series, extending a relationship that began when Ford returned to the series with Cosworth Racing in 1992. Since then, Ford has scored 91 victories and notched four championships in Champ Car competition.

"Ford has had a long-time relationship with the Champ Car World Series, and we're pleased to forge an agreement with them," said David Greenberg, vice president of general marketing, Ford of Canada. "Champ Car's ownership has shown a commitment to expanding the series internationally, and we believe that their ability to stage high-profile events in three of Canada's motorsports centres will allow us to showcase the many new and exciting products that Ford has in its lineup."

Ford Motor Company will retain its presence on the Ford-Cosworth XFE engines that power every car in the Champ Car World Series, continuing as the exclusive engine supplier to the series -- a relationship that enters its third season with the 2005 campaign.

"Ford of Canada is pleased to have a formal relationship with Champ Car that includes not only sponsorship rights of the series, but also sponsorship of individual races held in our markets," said Greenberg. "The opportunity to participate on and off the track in the high-profile Molson Indy races in Toronto and Montreal, along with the first-ever Champ Car race in Edmonton, gives us a superb marketing platform. The Champ Car World Series features some of the greatest race car drivers in the world competing in the most diverse and exciting series in the world."

Ford Motor Company has a storied racing history spanning more than 100 years. It all began when Henry Ford defeated Alexander Winton in a 10-lap race on a one-mile oval at the Detroit Driving Club, Grosse Pointe, Mich.