Champ Car, Ford extend agreement.

The Champ Car World Series and Ford Motor Company has announced a multi-year extension of their agreement that will see the fabled auto manufacturer continue as one of the presenting sponsors of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

The extension of the contract ensures the continuation of one of the longest-running partnerships in the Champ Car World Series, maintaining a relationship that began when Ford returned to the series with Cosworth Racing in 1992. Since then, Ford has scored 91 victories and notched four championships in Champ Car competition.

"Ford Motor Company has been one of the cornerstones of the Champ Car World Series in the last decade," Champ Car president Dick Eidswick said, "and we are very pleased to be able to extend our relationship."

Ford Motor Company will retain its presence on the Ford-Cosworth XFE engines that power every car in the Champ Car World Series, continuing as the exclusive engine supplier to the series - a relationship that enters its third season with the 2005 campaign.

"We're very happy with this extension and look forward to our continued relationship with the Champ Car World Series," Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, said. "Champ Car's ownership is committed to expanding the series and we believe that their ability to successfully stage high-profile events internationally will allow us to showcase the many new and exciting products that Ford has in its lineup."

The agreement allows for the stars of the Champ Car World Series to sport the legendary Blue Oval off the track as well, as Ford Motor Company will provide an allotment of vehicles to each of the Champ Car teams and drivers for their use.