Series to benefit from full backing of car manufacturer
source: autosport.com
The troubled CART series has been given a major boost after securing the full
backing of car manufacturer Ford, according to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine.
The Detriot manufacturer has agreed to what is believed to be a two-year deal to
badge the fixed-specification turbocharged engines that are built by its
subsidiary Cosworth.
The series will now be known as 'Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series
Powered by Ford.' The car manufacturer will provide extensive marketing and
promotional support, and will also supply CART with a new fleet of pace cars and
safety trucks.
The news is a major boost for CART, which has already lost manufacturers Honda
and Toyota to the rival Indy Racing League. It is believed that the
announcement, due to be made at CART's end-of-season banquet, could spark a wave
of deals for Champ Car teams. Mo Nunn Racing is just one squad that delayed a
decision on its future involvement in the series until it was sure there would
be manufacturer backing.