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CART: Blundell says UK oval race will beat F1 'hands down'

14 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Mark Blundell believes that Champ Car racing will bring the most exciting racing to England, when it arrives next year. The official announcement yesterday by CART, the Champ Car Series organisers, confirmed recent reports that the new Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby, Northamptonshire will place host to a new international round of the 2001 FedEx Championship Series, with the date set for September 22nd.

"The arrival of Champ Cars in England next year is set to shake up the British motor racing scene. Not only will fans be able to watch the fastest racing in the world, but they will see more overtaking in one race than a whole season of Formula One! The Rockingham event will show motor racing fans just how exciting racing can really be and will beat F1 hands down. F1 has lulled fans into believing there's no such thing as hard, fast, furious, edge of the seat racing. Now, they'll see that's just not true."

Blundell adds, "I can't wait to be here on track at Rockingham next year. It'll be a real showcase for Champ Car racing, with the new one mile oval track being a perfect venue for the first event of its kind in England. British motor racing fans have a real variety of motorsport events up and down the country to choose from, but there hasn't been a rival to the British Grand Prix - top drivers in technologically advanced racing machines - up until now. With this announcement, it's all set to change and fans will be able to experience first-hand the unique thrills, exhilaration and entertainment of American Auto racing."

"I've been racing in the FedEx Championship Series for over four years now and every time friends and family from Britain visit a Champ Car race for the first time, they are bowled over by the excitement, entertainment and total experience of a race weekend. They always comment on the high quality of racing, but are also totally impressed with the way in which fans are looked after. Drivers will freely sign autographs and chat to supporters, with spectators being allowed access to the paddock area to get a close up view of the cars and the teams. These extra features are alien to F1 spectators."

"Racing at home, for me, will be a fantastic occasion. There's always something special about a home race and (unless any other Brits join the Series next year) I'll be the only one to claim this as my own. I'm also pleased that the date of the race doesn't conflict with the F1 calendar - I'd like to challenge a few of my old F1 mates to a lap of Rockingham!"

Mark Blundell, from Melbourn in Cambridgeshire, moved to the American Champ Cars Series after some years racing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren, Ligier, Tyrrell and Brabham. He currently drives the No.18 Motorola Mercedes-Benz Reynard 2Ki Champ Car for PacWest Racing.

Text provided by Alison Hill

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