Mazda joins Champ Car

The Champ Car World Series today entered an agreement with Mazda North American Operations that will see the famed manufacturer become The Official Vehicle of the Champ Car World Series for 2007.

Mazda will be able to showcase its performance cars as part of the Champ Car Pace Car Program, and will have its trucks, SUVs and crossover vehicles featured as part of the world-renowned Holmatro Safety Team, Champ Car’s fast-response safety squad.

“This is a natural extension to our existing involvement with Champ Car as we enter our second season as the engine supplier for the Cooper Tires Atlantic Series," said Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality for Mazda North American Operations, and the man responsible for Mazda’s North American motorsports programs through its MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development arm. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with the Champ Car team, and this is a great way for us to support one of the best open-wheel racing series in the world."

The partnership will also see Mazda advertisements run in every Champ Car World Series broadcast this year as well as those for the Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. The California-based company will also be running a number of ads on the Champ Car World Series website in both banner and video form.

“We are pleased to see Mazda be so committed to the success of both Champ Car and the Atlantic series, and look forward to working with a partner that brings new and fresh ideas to the table," said Champ Car President Steve Johnson. “Mazda has a long and storied history in racing and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the Champ Car World Series."