CHAMP CAR RACE in Malta?

14 June 2006

Could be a real possibility if the current promoters have their way. They already have secured the necessary backing of the local administration, including the use of suitable land at Ta’Qali to be turned into a race track.

The local Champ Car Race promoters are Mr. Herbert Kuehne and Mr. Martin Mintoff who have been working hard to make this dream become a reality for a number of years. After ensuring that they have the required political backing, they invited to Malta the organisers for the Edmonton(Canada) Champ Car race to provide assistance.

Recently in Malta were Messrs Bob Vilas, Eleasha Naso and Greg Macdonald from the Edmonton Grand Prix of Canada who hope to convince the Champ Car directorship to organize the first Malta Champ Car race – an alternative to Formula One – in the near future, possibly next year. Champ Cars are a class of cars used in American Championship Car Racing. The 5.18 – meter long cars are similar to those used in Formula One. The cars can reach speeds of 300 Km/h, Greg Macdonald, general manager of the, explained.

The choice of Malta is affected by the island’s position since Champ Car racing is trying to attract European and North African racing enthusiasts. Another advantage was the ease of communicating in English. The promoters are projecting:

• An investment of US$16 million for every race
• A huge impact on sports tourism to Malta estimated at 40,000 to 50,000 per race
• Around US$40 million in business generated by the race in the local economy

MGI Malta director Mr. George Farrugia met these promoters during their recent visit to Malta. During discussion held, Mr. Farrugia emphasized that MGI has a strong sport culture and is honour to be involved in this new and exciting project .

Picture – left to right: Greg Macdonald, George Farrugia, Bob Vilas and Eleasha Naso

See Press Release (PDF) from organizers.

Visit Champ Car World Series web site