Haberfeld deal done and Cummins on.

Walker Racing has announced the signing of Champ Car driver Mario Haberfeld to pilot the #5 car in the 2004 Champ Car World Series. The 2004 season will also mark the return of Cummins Inc as the car's sponsor, Cummins being a long-time partner of Walker Racing.

"We are looking forward to competing in the Champ Car World Series in 2004. It has been a long winter, now its time to go racing" said team owner, Derrick Walker.

Mario Haberfeld will be competing in his second season of Champ Car competition, scoring three top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes in 2003. "I'm very happy to be back in Champ Car for my second year. This season will allow me to build upon the experience gained with both the cars and the circuits from last year" said Haberfeld.

2004 will also mark the return of Cummins Inc, Holset Turbochargers, Fleetguard and Onan, with Walker Racing in a partnership role that saw them adorned on the Walker Racing cars of Robby Gordon and Gil de Ferran from 1994 through 1999.

"Teaming up with Walker Racing has been beneficial in the past, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership" said Cummins Inc's CEO Tim Solso.

California-based LaunchPoint Technologies will also be making their debut as a partner with Walker Racing and Cummins for the 2004 season. LaunchPoint Technologies is a Venture Engineering firm that develops new technologies, incubates startups, and provides sophisticated engineering services.

"we appreciate the decision of LaunchPoint Technologies to join Walker Racing for 2004, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship," says team owner Derrick Walker.

Walker Racing will enter its fourteenth season of Champ Car competition this year, maintaining a position as one of the longest running teams in the series. The team has four Champ Car victories and ten poles to its credit, and finished the series runner-up in 1997 with Gil de Ferran behind the wheel.

Pic: Bruno Vicaria