Champ Car to Beijing in 2006.

The Champ Car World Series will stage a round of their 2006 Championship in Beijing, China.

The agreement with the Beijing Auto and Motor Sports Association (BAMSA) is currently just a 'Memorandum of Understanding' between the two parties, clearing the way for the series to hold what would be the first ever Champ Car race in China.

"This is a major step forward for the Champ Car World Series as we continue to establish our presence in the Asian markets," said series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. "We believe these markets are fundamental to our Series growth and future success. Adding an exciting new event in China to go with races in Korea and Australia solidifies our presence in a very important region of the world."

The agreement was signed with BAMSA, which is the government approved auto sports regulatory entity in Beijing that approves all racing events for Beijing. Wednesday's announcement of the MOU signing allows Champ Car and BAMSA to work together to decide upon a promoter and final location for the event.

Mr. Zhang Junyu, Secretary General of BAMSA said, "As the capital city of China and the hosting city of 2008 Olympics, Beijing has now become a city with economic prosperity and steady improvements, as well as the best market for automobile races.

"Beijing is not only a city with auto manufacturing plants and purchasing power, but also a city with the best and most professional racing teams, drivers, and fans in China.

"The city is now working towards becoming an international sports centre and to hold world renowned auto races is an important part towards accomplishing that goal. Therefore, as the city's auto race administration and organizer, BAMSA warmly welcomes the Champ Car World Series race scheduled to run in 2006 and we sincerely extend our best wishes for great future success of the race in Beijing for years to come."

"We have several very qualified parties interested in securing the rights to this race. We expect to work very closely with BAMSA to make the proper selection," said Joe Chrnelich, Executive Vice-President, Development, and Government Affairs & Planning. "After our recent visits to Beijing, there is no doubt that Champ Car has found a new and exciting market for our expanding worldwide schedule.

"Both the Beijing Government and resident business entities are excited about the future prospects for a Champ Car event, especially given the worldwide marketing platform we provide. Beijing is a great city with a rapidly expanding infrastructure, a wealth of historic assets and a very bright future. We look forward to helping Beijing project this new and dynamic image on the worldwide stage. "

Initial discussions indicate that the race could be held in either May or September of 2006, but a number of factors will play into the final determination of a race date.

"Today's announcement is no doubt a historic day for the Champ Car World Series, but we are excited because it is about more than just a race," Kalkhoven said. "The relationships forged through this process will benefit both sides tremendously. The warm reception we have received here could lead to even bigger things in the future, including the potential to bring Chinese drivers and teams into the series."

The Champ Car World Series will make it debut in Seoul, South Korea in 2005.