TA: McAtee Motorsports join 2005 grid.

The Toyota Atlantic championship grid has grown by another two cars following the announcement that McAtee Motorsports is to join the field in 2005.

The team, which has been competing in the Star Mazda series for the past three seasons, will enter cars for Kyle Kelley and Brian McAtee this season, and team owner Dale McAtee - Brian's father and a veteran of more than 30 years in motorsport - said he was delighted to be making the step up to the Champ Car feeder series.

"McAtee Motorsports is pleased to announce its entry into the Toyota Atlantic Championship for 2005," he said. "The Toyota Atlantic series has a rich history and a solid connection the Champ Car World Series, presenting the finest opportunity for a youthful team to participate at world-class venues."

Another motorsports veteran of more 30 years, Kyle's father Bob Kelley, will serve as team manager for the McAtee team.

"The team was looking for the best series to provide exposure while racing at good venues," he said. "With the great spectator and sponsorship opportunities available and its close ties to Champ Car, we felt that the Toyota Atlantic series was the best place to be."

While the team may be new to Atlantics in 2005, it does bring along continuity and a track record of success as it prepares for its maiden season in the series, having produced three of the top four championship finishers last season in the Star Mazda West Coast Redline Oil Championship - with 19-year-old Kelley taking the title and McAtee junior finishing fourth. Kelley also won the SCCA Southern Pacific Formula Mazda title last season.

Both drivers turned their first laps in an Atlantic machine during a recent test at Buttonwillow and the team is expected to take part in the season-opener at Long Beach next month, with the aim being to take part in at least six races in 2005.