Champ Car’s return to Circuit Mont-Tremblant

North America’s most powerful open wheel race cars will make a spectacular return to Circuit Mont-Tremblant on June 29-30th and July 1st, when the Champ Car World Series returns to the famed circuit almost four decades after their first-ever race in the Province of Quebec. Following in the footsteps of Bobby Unser, Mario Andretti, Johnny Rutherford and Gordon Johncock, the likes of Sébastien Bourdais, Paul Tracy, Justin Wilson and Alex Tagliani will shine as today’s stars on the most beautiful and scenic race track in North America. Furthermore, the weekend rendezvous in the heart of the Laurentian landscape during the Canada Day Weekend will feature more than high-level motor racing excitement, as the world’s top spectacular art show, Cirque du Soleil, will join the festivities for the enjoyment of all those attending the event.

During today’s press conference held in Montreal, the partners involved in the coming of the Champ Car World Series for Round 7 at Mont-Tremblant, announced that tickets for this riveting event should go on sale March 1st, 2007, with price ranging from $95 to $135 for the whole weekend. Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil, and Normand Legault, President and CEO of Groupe motorisé international, were happy to share their enthusiasm about joining forces with the principals of Circuit Mont-Tremblant to make this event one of the most spectacular show of the summer.

“The love and passion of the automobile that inhabits the Stroll family, especially Lawrence, has greatly contributed to the restoration of the heart and soul of Circuit Mont-Tremblant and the great legacy that lives in the hearts of Quebec and Canadian race fans," said Normand Legault. “By joining with Guy Laliberté, who is also a passionate race fan, we have found a creative mind and a tremendously successful entrepreneur who will push the envelope to the limit. With such partners, we have no hesitation in putting forward our expertise in organizing this event."

“My passion for motorsport has never been a well kept secret," explained Guy Laliberté. “It is however the first time that Cirque du Soleil has officially been involved in a major motor sport event. To mark the return of primetime motor sport at Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Cirque du Soleil will create a festive ambiance and undertake the artistic organization and presentation of this eventful weekend. Over the years, we have come to observe and understand the expectations of motorsport fans when it comes to off-track recreational activities, and we will showcase all we have learned in our business to conceive the best entertainment atmosphere."

Vincent Loughran, Vice-President Operations of Circuit Mont-Tremblant, brought forward that the Mont-Tremblant business community is eagerly awaiting the event. He also explained briefly how the surrounding areas of the legendary track will be set up to accommodate teams and fans.

Series co-owner Paul Gentilozzi also attended the press conference on the behalf of the Champ Car World Series. Gentilozzi, who is also the owner of Rocketsports Racing, explained his enthusiasm to the media. He is convinced that the organizing team is the key to the success for the June 29-30th, July 1st event.

The precise moment for public ticket sale for the 2007 Champ Car race at Mont-Tremblant will be announced shortly. Race tickets will then be available on the Admission Network as well as at several sales outlets in the Laurentians and the Ottawa Valley region. The event organizers will also create a website where fans can also purchase their tickets. Plans for support races that will share the track with Champ Car and the Atlantic Championship Series will be announced at a later date. The 2007 Champ Car season begins April 8 in Las Vegas. Champ Car