Champ Car confirms St Pete race off for 2004.

Champ Car World Series officials and the city of St Petersburg have regretfully announced that, despite their best efforts, they have not been able to complete negotiations to acquire the rights to hold the Grand Prix of St Petersburg in 2004.

New series owners Open Wheel Racing Series [OWRS] attempted to acquire the rights to the race from the existing owner, the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach [GPALB], but Champ Car and the city could not proceed with plans for a race without the consent of former rights holder Tom Begley, due to a transaction between Begley and the GPALB.

When a successful resolution of the matter between GPALB and Begley could not be reached - despite repeated entreaties from the city of St Petersburg as well as Champ Car officials - the series was left with no choice but to leave the event off the soon-to-be-released 2004 schedule.

"Champ Car worked very hard to hold the St Petersburg race in 2004, and the city of St Petersburg, under the leadership of mayor Rick Baker, provided phenomenal support as we tried to reach an agreement to hold the race," Champ Car president Dick Eidswick said, "Unfortunately, individuals unrelated to Champ Car kept that from happening, which is a disappointment, not only to our drivers and teams, but more importantly to the many Champ Car fans throughout the south-east.

"The success of last year's race makes this outcome even more of a disappointment," Eidswick continued, "We were looking to build on that success and all parties worked around the clock for the last two weeks in trying to work out a resolution to include the race on our 2004 schedule.

"The drivers called it one of the most enjoyable street courses on the circuit and the great fan support was a key factor in our desire to hold the event. While we regret that we can not race in St Petersburg in 2004, we are hopeful about the possibility of returning in the future, if circumstances allow."

"It is unfortunate that St Petersburg will not be included this year in the Champ Car World Series, despite repeated attempts made by Open Wheel Racing Series to make the race happen," added mayor Baker.

"St Petersburg has demonstrated that it can host a successful street racing event along its world class waterfront. The terrific fan support from the 2003 race uniquely positions the city for a return of Champ Car racing in the near future. I am pleased that Champ Car continues to express a desire to return a race to St Petersburg."