Enge wins Golden Wheel.

Tomas Enge has received the Golden Wheel Award as the Czech Republic's top racing driver for the sixth year in a row - and will be looking to do the sae in 2005 as he transfers full-time to the Indy Racing League.

The Golden Wheel is voted on by Czech motorsport journalists and, while Enge also received the Speed Award trophy for the fastest average speed across the season, he values the Golden Wheel trophy more highly as it reflects his standing in his homeland despite dropping back to F3000 for the bulk of the year. Two outings with Patrick Racing at the end of the season helped rise his average speed thanks to running on the ovals, but has now given the Czech a chance to cement a place in the series full-time.

"I am very happy that the tradition of the Golden Wheel goes on," said Enge, who will drive the #2 Panther Racing entry in 2005, "I am naturally pleased because it is clear that my performances have not gone unnoticed at home despite the fact that I do not have many chances to race in the Czech Republic."

Despite temporarily abandoning his hope of graduating to Formula One, Enge will be busy in 2005, dovetailing his IRL ambitions with what is expected to be several appearances in the new Aston Martin sportscar.

"I am now at the beginning of new and exciting season," he agreed, "There will be a new challenges and starts in legendary Indy 500 and 24 Hours Le Mans. I will do my best for a good representation of the Czech motorsport around the whole world."