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CHAMP CAR: Minardi Two-Seaters to Appear in Up to 10 Races
Written by: Kevin Krefting   
03/28/2007 - 07:00 PM
Indianapolis, Ind.
 


A classic moment: Nigel Mansell crashes into Fernando Alonso at the end of the world's first two-seater race at Donington Park. (LAT Photo) » More Photos

Minardi Team USA co-owner Paul Stoddart has confirmed that his Minardi two-seater team, established back in 2001 shortly after the Aussie joined the Formula 1 owners' circle, will appear in select Champ Car World Series race weekends in 2007.

Built on old Formula 1 cars, the two seaters have garnered fame in worldwide appearances. Among its feats have been the world's first-ever two-seater race, held at Donington Park in England already in '01. The event ended in tragicomic manner when none other than Nigel Mansell and then-Minardi driver Fernando Alonso tangled in the last corner while battling for the lead.

"The program we have agreed for the coming season with Kevin Kalkhoven and the senior management of Champ Car is incredibly exciting," Stoddart believes. "It will give up to 50 lucky individuals attending each nominated race the opportunity
to have a driver's-eye view of the track on which the Champ Car stars will be battling it out later in the weekend.
A classic moment: Nigel Mansell crashes into Fernando Alonso at the end of the world's first two-seater race at Donington Park. (LAT Photo) » More Photos
"The Minardi two-seaters have run on the streets of some of the world's most famous cities and at any number of well-known race tracks, but until now, the circumstances have never arisen to facilitate a North American program.

"Now, thanks to the open-minded and innovative approach of Champ Car management, that is set to change in the most dramatic way possible. This is undoubtedly the most exciting development in the history of the two-seater program, and the team can't wait to get started."

The cars will be based at Minardi Team USA's facility in Indianapolis, alongside the existing Champ Car operation. Provisional plans call for the Minardi two-seaters to appear at up to 10 rounds of the 2007 Champ Car World Series.