Ford Motor Co. has announced that it will not return as an official sponsor of Champ Car World Series. Ford had participated in Champ Car and its predecessor, CART, since its return to open-wheel racing in 1992.

Ford has “decided that this sponsorship does not align with our current business objectives,” said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. “We wish them well as they try to grow the sport.”

“Today’s decision was made from a business standpoint on both sides and in no way should tarnish the long legacy of success that the Ford Motor Company has established in Champ Car competition. We thank Ford for what it has done for the series, but we are continuing building a bright future for the series and are exploring a number of other options for a manufacturer partner,” said Champ Car President Steve Johnson in a statement.

So what is going to happen to Champ Car? Will this speed a merger between Champ Car or IRL? Or is it the beginning of the end? Is it not going to make a difference? Do you care either way?

Press releases after the jump.

## Sources: Ford, Champ Car ##

FORD PRESS RELEASE:

DEARBORN, Mich., January 24, 2007 - Ford Motor Company announced today that it would no longer serve as an official sponsor of the Champ Car World Series. Ford had participated in Champ Car and its predecessor, CART, since re-entering open-wheel racing in 1992.

“We evaluate all of our racing programs on an annual basis and have decided that this sponsorship does not align with our current business objectives,” said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. “Although we are leaving open wheel racing at this time, we’re proud of our long relationship with Champ Car, its teams and drivers, and we wish them well as they try to grow the sport.”

Ford’s withdrawal from Champ Car will not affect the other racing programs the company currently supports, including NASCAR’s three major national touring series, the NHRA PowerAde Drag Racing Series, both the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car and KONI Challenge Series and several series sanctioned by USAC.

CHAMP CAR RELEASE:

CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES STATEMENT REGARDING FORD MOTOR COMPANY ENDING ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SERIES

INDIANAPOLIS (January 24, 2007) - The following is a statement from the Champ Car World Series regarding today’s decision from the Ford Motor Company that it would not return as a sponsor of Champ Car racing in 2007. When used in the media, the statement should be attributed to Champ Car President Steve Johnson.

“Today’s decision was made from a business standpoint on both sides and in no way should tarnish the long legacy of success that the Ford Motor Company has established in Champ Car competition. We thank Ford for what it has done for the series, but we are continuing building a bright future for the series and are exploring a number of other options for a manufacturer partner.”

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