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The Ford logos are coming off the new Panoz Champ Cars. (LAT photo) ยป More Photos
Champ Car lost three more words from its official logo but, more importantly, a major ally on Wednesday when Ford Motor Company announced its withdrawal from participation in the series.
Aligned with CART and Champ Car for the past three decades, Ford had been a presenting sponsor, official vehicle and source of power for much of its association. In 2003, after Honda and Toyota bolted for the Indy Racing League, Ford came to the rescue and its Cosworth became the sole engine supplier for the open wheel series.
The past three years the series had been called "Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series powered by Ford" with Ford fielding cars for the pace car team, as well as courtesy vehicles for the Champ Car staff and other associate sponsorships. In addition, Ford of Mexico and Ford of Canada had served as title sponsors for races in those countries.
But, with Champ Car opting to drop the pace car program in favor of Minardi boss Paul Stoddart's two-seat Formula 1 cars, Ford decided it was time to move on.
"We were surprised they chose to torpedo the pace car program and even more surprised they decided to go with the F1 two-seaters," said Dan
"We're not bitter, just very disappointed."
The pace car program had been a staple of Champ Car since 1982, when the late Jim Chapman introduced a way for series sponsor PPG Industries to bring customers closer to the action.
It's believed Ford had offered to increase its support and involvement this season, most notably in taking over the pace car program and expanding the on-track activities for its customers and dealers with the Hot Lap Program.
"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," Champ Car President Steve Johnson said in a prepared statement. "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."
Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda about replacing Ford.
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