6th November 2003

CHAMP CAR TEST FOR MICHAEL

Top Irish International racing driver Michael Keohane from Clonakilty in West Cork will get his first taste of America’s Formula 1 equivalent when he tests for Champ Car World Series team Dale Coyne Racing at Sebring Raceway, Florida, on November 13/14.

The British F3 Championship race winner, who made his F3000 debut this season at Silverstone, will conduct two days of testing with the Illinois based team when he drives one of their 750Bhp Ford-Cosworth powered Lola cars. Looking to secure a drive in the American based series next season a successful test could lead to Michael becoming the first Irish driver to race in Champ Cars since Derek Daly last competed 14 years ago.

Michael said – ‘This test is very important. Champ Car is where I want to be next year and a strong test will help progress my plans. Dale Coyne is giving me a chance to prove myself and I intend making the most of this fantastic opportunity.’

America’s equivalent to Formula 1, the Champ Car World Series has seen many of its top drivers poached by Grand Prix racing’s leading teams. 1995 Champion Jacques Villeneuve went to Formula 1 in 1996 and became World Champion the following year, 1999 Champion Juan Pablo Montoya was signed by Williams F1 and more recently Cristiano Da Matta, the 2002 Champ Car Champion, was snapped up by Toyota.

‘The Champ Car World Series is a proven route to Formula 1 and a top level professional series in its own right and I truly hope to be a part of it next year’, added the 23-year-old former Irish Karting Champion.

The 2004 'Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford' season will take teams across America, Canada, Mexico, Australia and Korea.